Kilcooley Community Forum Remembrance Service 2017

Kilcooley Remembrance Service

This morning at 11.00am members of Kilcooley Community Forum and local residents attended a short Remembrance Service in Kilcooley Square.

The service was conducted by Pastor Mark (Tatty) Gordon who thanked the Forum Chairman Mr Jim Rea and staff for inviting him to participate in the simple act of remembrance.

Mark spoke from the Gospel of John 15v13-15 where Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends..."

Mark said, "As we gather to remember those who died to protect our country and preserve our freedoms, so we should remember Jesus the Son of God, who also laid down His life and died that we might know true freedom and have life everlasting. Those who believe in Jesus are His friends for whom He died."

Mark paid tribute to all who gave their lives in the service of our country, in wars, conflicts and the 'Troubles.'

He reminded all who had gathered, that we should particularly remember current serving members in the British Armed Forces, and he asked God's protection for them.

After his short oration, the 'Ode to Remembrance' was read, followed by a minute silence.

When the reflective silence ended, Jim Rea Chairman of Kilcooley Community Forum laid a wreath at the Kilcooley Somme Memorial, accompanied by Forum manager Desy Clayton.

The service ended with prayer.

Jim Rea said, "We hope this simple act of remembrance will become an annual event, an occasion which all the community can support and together we can pay our respects."