Solemn day for Fylde at Lytham War Memorial
News article
Sad addditions
Lytham War Memorial will be rededicated with the addition of two soldiers’ names at an open-air service at noon on Sunday 26 September.
The names of Sergeant Michael Chadwick and Corporal Loren Marlton-Thomas, who died in 2009, have been carved into the memorial’s granite after a Fylde Council-backed drive to commemorate service-people who have died since the end of World War Two.
Members of both men’s families, civic dignitaries, representatives of the armed forces, members and standard bearers of the British Legion, church representatives and representatives of Fylde Council will be present at the service at the memorial.
Nicola Marlton-Thomas, widow of Loren, will read poem “A Tribute to the Fallen”.
Order of service:
• Welcome and introduction – Councillor Liz Oades, mayor of Fylde.
• Bidding prayer – Canon Andrew Clitherow.
• Hymn: O God Our Help in Ages Past.
• Bible reading – Councillor Liz Oades, mayor of Fylde.
• Poem, “A Tribute to the Fallen”, read by Nicola Marlton Thomas.
• Address – read by Major Richard Hawkins R.E.
• Reading of names. By Mr Mike Coyle, War Memorials’ Trust.
• Laying of wreaths – armed forces, Royal British Legion, family wreaths.
• Act of Remembrance – read by Mr Ray Pinkstone, the uncle of Corporal Marlton-Thomas.
• The Last Post.
• One-minute silence.
• Reveille.
• Kohima Epitaph – “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today”. Read by Ray Pinkstone.
• Prayers for peace and protection – Deacon William Riley.
• Act of commitment – Canon Andrew Clitherow.
• Hymn – Abide With Me.
• Blessing - Canon Andrew Clitherow.
• National Anthem.
Between 120 and 150 guests have already been invited.
Councillor David Eaves, Fylde Council leader, said: “This will be a solemn and dignified act on behalf of everyone in Fylde.
“These two brave men are gone but not forgotten.
“The invitation to attend the service is extended to everyone in Fylde. I am sure many will pay their respects by attending on the day.”
Councillor Liz Oades. Mayor of Fylde, said: “It is terribly sad for all of us when someone dies in war.
“We hold these two men in the highest regard and the least we can do is to commemorate their passing in a respectful and solemn way. I am touched at how many people have already said they will attend – and hope that many more will turn up on the day.”
Corporal Marlton-Thomas was killed in Afghanistan in November while trying to disarm and explosive device.
Sergeant Chadwick died early in 2009. He was on active service in Afghanistan but was at home when he developed a sickness and died.
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