Remembrance Day commemorations were held today in North Yorkshire, remembering and reflecting on the region’s strong association with the Armed Forces.
The historic link dates back more than a century, with 10,770 military personnel in the county, one of the largest numbers nationally.
The region is also home to Catterick Garrison, one of the largest military bases in the country, and the county also has among the highest numbers of veterans nationally.
Armed Forces champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, who was a reservist in the Armed Forces for 30 years said: “North Yorkshire has extremely strong links to the Armed Forces.
“Those who are still serving today should be given the utmost respect for all they do to protect and serve the nation.
“Remembrance Day is a moment to reflect on the past and remember those who have lost their lives and are no longer with us.
“But it is also important for us to remember the present and all those who are involved in the military as they continue such a proud and important tradition for all those who went before them.”
According to data from the 2021 Census, there were 29,831 former members of the Armed Forces living in North Yorkshire.
Today, (Tuesday 11 November), wreath laying ceremonies were held as a mark of respect for all those who have lost their lives in wars.
At 11am today, we joined locations across North Yorkshire to honour the fallen.
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) November 11, 2025
Wreath-laying ceremonies, including a two-minute silence, took place at our offices in County Hall in Northallerton, the Civic Centre in Harrogate, Ryedale House in Malton, Mercury House in Richmond,… pic.twitter.com/zNPSqMSVqh
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of Second World War, and events were staged in May to commemorate Victory in Europe (VE) Day as well as in August for Victory in Japan (VJ) Day.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The annual Remembrance Day offers us all a moment to reflect on all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
“With each passing year, it is so important that we remember those who have lost their lives in conflicts, and we will never forget the price they have paid.
“We are indebted to their bravery and service and we should always have that in our thoughts not just on Remembrance Day but throughout the whole year.”
Ceremonies which saw commemorative wreaths laid and a two-minute silence held at 11am today were organised by North Yorkshire Council at County Hall in Northallerton and the Civic Centre in Harrogate.
Other ceremonies were also staged by the authority at Ryedale House in Malton, Mercury House in Richmond, Belle Vue Square in Skipton and Scarborough Town Hall.
Council chair, Cllr George Jabbour, said: “Having had the privilege of joining a number of events over the past couple of weeks to observe remembrance.
“I witnessed firsthand the enormous respect that communities across North Yorkshire hold for the bravery of our country’s servicemen and women.”