The relocation of a memorial to 16 railway workers who died serving in World War One was formally re-dedicated at Bangor railway station on 24 January.
The memorial was originally unveiled in March 1919 at St David’s Church in Bangor, but the church closed in 2013.
Network Rail subsequently offered a new home for the Bangor Railway Institute Boys’ Corps memorial at its local railway station to safeguard its future for generations to come.
The event at Bangor railway station involved the Assembly Member for Arfon, Sian Gwenllian AM, and over 50 local members of the community. It also include a reading of the poem For the Fallen, a reading of all the names of the men included on the memorial and a live rendition of The Last Post.
“…a fitting tribute to the 16 members of the Bangor Railway Institute Boys’ Corps who gave their lives during the Great War.”
Bill Kelly, Network Rail’s route director for Wales and Borders, said: “Those who have worked on the railways have a strong and proud history and the re-dedication of this memorial at Bangor station is a very fitting tribute.
“I am extremely proud that Network Rail was able to offer this memorial a new home and I hope it serves many generations to come as an acknowledgement of the ultimate contribution these 16 men made to their communities and country.”
‘Incredibly humbling’
Siân Gwenllian AM said, “It is incredibly humbling to be part of the re-dedication of the Bangor Railway Institute War Memorial, in memory of local railway workers who lost their lives during the First World War.
“I’m pleased this memorial will be given a prominent position at Bangor station; a fitting tribute to the 16 members of the Bangor Railway Institute Boys’ Corps who gave their lives during the Great War.’
“I pay tribute to all those involved in preserving this important piece of local history, and to Network Rail for stepping-in to provide the Memorial with a permanent home, ensuring it stays in our city.”
A Church in Wales spokesperson, added: “We are delighted the plaque has found a new home and one where it will be seen by thousands of people, reminding them of the huge sacrifices made for us all by those who died for their country in WW1. It is particularly poignant that the plaque should be relocated at the train station as it was originally erected by the Bangor Railway Institute Boys Corps.”
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