Parade to remember Upton war hero Luke
10/01/2010 Paul Macnamara/ Ross Parry Agencey.Tributes at the Pontefract, West Yorkshire home of Rifleman Luke Farmer (19) who has been killed in Afghanistan. Collect of Luke.
A VILLAGE will pay their respects to Upton soldier Luke Farmer on Sunday to mark three years since he paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for his country in Afghanistan.
A parade will march from the Upton Arms on High Street to the war memorial on Harewood Lane, where a service will be held to remember the fallen soldier.
There will also be a gathering after the service at Upton Rugby Club, on Quarry Lane, where he was a former player.
Rifleman Farmer, 19, of the 3rd Battalion The Rifles, was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off in Sangin, near Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in January 2010.
The former Minsthorpe Community College student, of Third Avenue, had been trying to keep his comrades safe by leading the way with a metal detector during a night patrol.
A parade has been held each year in the village since his death.
Chairman of Upton and North Elmsall Parish Council Shaun Hodson said it was always an important day for people in the village.
He said: “It’s really important for future generations to remember what Luke did and the sacrifices he made.
“We are really proud of Luke. He dedicated his life to this country and we should never forget that.”
His heroic actions spurred villagers to raise money for a garden in his memory.
A patriotic red, white and blue themed garden is planned to be created in his memory in Upton.
Residents have been fundraising and made more than £10,000 towards the garden, which is planned for Waggon Lane.
Planning permission is still waiting to be granted before work can start.
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Wednesday 19 June 2013
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