Serving military personnel and veterans joined the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Robert Hutchinson, as the city came together to honour those who have served and sacrificed their lives at the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at the War Memorial on Burdon Road.
The parade was led by British Army personnel from 3rd Battalion The Rifles supported by 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, who both have the Freedom of the City, crew members from Sunderland's affiliated warship, HMS Anson, veterans and community groups and accompanied by music provided by the Eleventh Hour Band.
Captain Joe Giles of 3 Rifles, read the First World War poem For the Fallen before two field guns from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery were fired from the terrace in Mowbray Park to mark the start of the two-minute silence at 11am.
This was followed by the annual wreath laying around the War Memorial and on the Memorial Wall. The War Memorial dates back to 1922 with public subscriptions helping to fund it. The Memorial Wall was built with funds raised by the charity Brothers in Arms to provide a permanent tribute to those who have lost their lives in active service since the end of the Second World War.
The parade ended with a march past by veterans, emergency services personnel, community groups and serving members of His Majesty's Armed Forces. The salute was taken by the Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Ms Lucy Winskell OBE, representing His Majesty The King, and the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Robert Hutchinson.
The Mayor, Councillor Hutchinson said:
"We are all incredibly proud of our strong connections with the Armed Forces in Sunderland.
"Remembrance Sunday has always been an important opportunity for the whole city to come together to pay tribute to all those who fought in conflicts past and present and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
"This year’s key anniversaries have included the battles of the Somme and Jutland in the First World War, 70 years since the Suez Crisis and 25 years since UK forces entered Afghanistan after the September attacks of 9/11.
"Every year it is inspiring to see people of all ages come together to remember those who gave so much in service to their country. As well as reflecting on the past, as well as reflecting on the past, it's also an opportunity to thank the servicemen and women serving today and for the contribution and sacrifices they make.
Remembrance Services also took place in Castletown, Easington Lane, Fencehouses, Hetton, Houghton, Fatfield, Ryhope, Silksworth, South Hylton, Southwick and Washington Village.
Armistice Day is also being commemorated in Sunderland with a two-minute silence at 11am on Wednesday 11 November, to mark the end of the First World War. The start of the silence will be signalled by maroons fired from Mowbray Park.
City landmarks including Northern Spire Bridge, Penshaw Monument, Fulwell Mill, Silksworth Pit Wheel and High Street West, will be lit red from this evening until the end of Armistice Day on Wednesday 11 November.
