Commonwealth Graves Remembrance Service

Each year, Harrogate Brigantes Rotary arranges a Remembrance Service at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, Harrogate. The cemetery is one of the largest military cemeteries in the country, containing 1017 graves. Some of those buried here served in the First World War, but most were young aircrew from around the Commonwealth who volunteered to fight to save this country and liberate Europe during the Second World War. 

Many dignitaries attend and these usually include representatives of Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Defence Forces, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant, our MP, and the Mayor of Harrogate together with representatives of local organisations.

Harrogate Band plays, army and air cadets parade and, after short prayers, a hymn and a few appropriate words, the silence is observed, wreaths are laid at the Stone of Remembrance and students from a local secondary school place a flower on each grave.

Short, simple and moving.