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Tribute to our heroes – past and present
THEY are the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. The First and Second World Wars claimed millions of British and Commonwealth casualties.
But as well as recognising the bravery of older generations, this year's Remembrance Sunday in Leeds is also to pay tribute to today's servicemen and women laying down their lives for their country.
Among the veterans attending the ceremony will be Iraq hero Cpl Simon Brown who was shot as he tried to rescue troops from war-torn Basra last December.
Shot
The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, from Morley, Leeds, was shot when he and two other soldiers went in under fire to retrieve a vehicle that had either been damaged or had broken down.
They were able to recover the vehicle and ensured the safety of a number of soldiers before Cpl Brown was injured.
The 29-year-old, who suffered horrific facial injuries, is recovering at home after intricate reconstructive work.
He will be a guest of honour at the Leeds City Council
Festival of Remembrance at Morley Town Hall on Friday, November 9.
Other dignitaries will include the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Dr Ingrid Roscoe; the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Brian Cleasby; the leader of Leeds City Council Coun Mark Harris and the Mayor of Morley Coun Joyce Sanders.
The new Burgermeister of Morley's German twin town of Siegen, Stiffen Mules, will also light a candle in remembrance of those who have been killed or injured in conflict.
It will be Herr Mules' first visit to Leeds since becoming Burgermeister.
Local school children will also take part in the festival, performing musical pieces and the Salvation Army Band will lead hymns.
Festival of Remembrance Committee chairman Coun Terry Grayshon (Morley Borough Independent, Morley South) said: "The theme for this year's festival is the 80th anniversary of the dedication of the War Memorial in Morley's Scatcherd Park.
"The memorial is as important today as it was 80 years ago and we remember the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"I am particularly pleased that this year we will be joined by Cpl Brown.
"Now more than ever we need to remember those who have been injured in conflict and ensure that we honour the covenant we have with the Armed Forces."
Cpl Brown had been in the Army for 10 years, joining up soon after leaving Woodkirk High School.
Last year was his third active tour. He has been decorated twice.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
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