Thousands pay their tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday
Nov 9 2009 by Robert Weatherall, The Journal
THOUSANDS turned out across the North East yesterday to pay their respects to servicemen and women who have given their lives for their country.
Despite cloudy skies and drizzle, members of the public joined retired soldiers and serving personnel at Remembrance Day events aimed at marking the sacrifices made by previous generations, as well as the costs of present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the most well attended events was in Newcastle, where the city’s Old Eldon Square War Memorial played host to a number of civic dignitaries and hundreds of people who lined up on all four sides of the recently refurbished public square.
Among those who was present was Fenham resident Peter Wears. The 47-year-old attended with his three children, who all proudly displayed their poppies.
The city council worker said: “I have been coming here since I was a child and now I bring my own children here.
“I think it is important that each new generation learns of the sacrifices made and what Remembrance Day is all about.” Peter was joined by sons Chris, 22, Simon, 20, and daughter Laura, 15.
Chris said: “I used to be in the cadets so I have taken part in the parade in previous years. I think it is important to turn up and show support rather than just watching a service on TV.
“There are people who gave up their lives for freedom and the least we can do is honour them.”
Gunfire from the 101 Northumbrian Regiment Royal Artillery marked the start of the two minutes silence at 11am, while the Union flag was lowered to half mast.
Another shot from the 101 Royal Artillery marked the end of the two minutes. At that point, a veteran serviceman intoned the words: “They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.” Following a sounding of the Last Post by a bugler and a number of hymns and prayers Councillor Mike Cookson, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, laid a wreath at the memorial.
Others were then laid by the Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear and members of the Royal British Legion, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, RAF, Merchant Navy and others groups including the police, fire service and British Red Cross.
The Lord Mayor said the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War “gives us all an opportunity to show our gratitude to those who gave their lived in that and other conflicts since then”.
He added: “It’s also an important time to remember those who are still on active service around the world and their families.”
In London, the Queen led the nation is paying respect to Britain’s war dead. After wreaths were laid by members of the royal family they were followed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, David Cameron, and Nick Clegg.
Approximately 7,500 ex-Servicemen and women and 1,600 civilians then took part in a march past the Cenotaph.
The crowd 10 deep on the pavement observed the silence in perfect quiet at 11am before the wreath-laying event.
Page 2: Homecoming of courageous TA soldiers marked by ceremony
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