Newcastle will not forget

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle has laid a wreath on behalf of the citizens of the city during a small but poignant Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial in Old Eldon Square.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor David Cook, lays a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives at the World War 1 memorial in the city

The ceremony, which was held in advance due to coronavirus restrictions, will be broadcast on social media on Remembrance Sunday and again on Armistice Day as part of an online tribute that will honour the service and sacrifice of all those who have served to keep our country safe.

Residents are being urged honour the fallen and show respect to those working on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19 from home by taking part in a national two-minute doorstep silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.

As part of a four-day tribute residents are being invited to send in their memories, photos and messages to be shared on social media. The council will then add these to all those received to commemorate VE Day and VJ Day earlier this year to create a lasting online tribute that will be available for years to come.

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The Royal British Legion are encouraging people to make sure Remembrance Sunday is marked appropriately by taking part in remote and socially distanced Remembrance activity, whether that be watching a service on television or pausing for the Two Minute Silence in their home or on their doorsteps.

Joining the doorstep two-minute silence is the best tribute

War memorials and the Civic Centre have been adorned with Poppies knitted by local people for the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War 1 and residents are helping make this a citywide tribute by displaying Poppies in their windows, doors and gardens. And, as with the Rainbows for the NHS, many of these are paintings and drawings from children who are learning about the importance of Remembrance.

The Civic Centre will also be lit red from Remembrance Sunday until Armistice Day in honour of those who gave their lives to for our freedom.

While the commemorations may be different to those of previous years it’s clear that in 2020 the people of Newcastle will not forget the heroes who gave, and continue to give, so much to keep us safe.

Lord Mayor, Councillor David Cook, said “In these unprecedented times it is important that we remember the sacrifices of the past and reflect on the service of those working to keep us safe today.

“This year we will pay our respects to those who laid down their lives for our country in a different way but that doesn’t make our tributes less important. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the citizens of Newcastle.

“And on Sunday morning I will be proud to stand on my doorstep, knowing that people across our city are doing the same, as part of national tribute that will not only honour those who sacrificed so much in the past but also show respects for those servicing today."

If you would like to share a photo, story or tribute please send it to angela.hamilton@newcastle.gov.uk

75 years ago we paid tribute to those returning home from World War 2 and those who had lost their lives or were injured in both World Wars. Today we also pay tribute to those who have fallen in subsequent conflicts.

In 2020, the armed forces have played an enormous part in the response to Covid-19. In 2020 we need to stay at home to show respect so think about coming onto your doorsteps to keep the two-minute silence.