Memorial Cross Left Unscathed After Fire Sweeps Through Field
It’s amazing how God can use even nature to testify of Himself if that’s His heart’s desire. Such was the case with a memorial cross in the UK county of Kent.
A wildfire from a rare heat wave roared across a field that displayed a memorial cross for World War I and II military veterans. The heroes who gave their all for the sake of freedom were once residents of the village of Lenham.
Flames from the wildfire made their way right up to the edge of the chalk cross, and then mysteriously stopped. While the earth leading up to the cross was scorched, the cross was still showing brilliantly on the ground.
The memorial cross was originally cut into the area’s rolling chalk hills in 1921, and has been a beloved monument and remembrance to the residents of Lenham village ever since.
As further tribute to their deceased loved ones who fought in the great wars, two stones bearing the names of those who never made it back home were also at the site, according to War Memorials Online. The stones were later moved to a nearby church to protect the memories and make it easier for mourners to have access to the stones.
The names of 42 residents were noted from World War I, and 14 from World War II.
Interestingly, the cross memorial was always the first place where tourists were taken, but it was virtually unknown outside the area until 2014, when it was finally registered as a national historic landmark and war memorial in England.
An explanation of the significance of the memorial cross states, “The memorial is rather unusual when compared with other war memorials as it was carved by hand directly into the chalk of the North Downs as a hill-figure cross and prominent landmark by Mr. Freddie Baldock, with help from local volunteers.
“The memorial was designed by the village school headmaster Mr. C.H. Groom. It is an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community.”