SERVICE personnel and veterans joined the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque, when the city paid its respects at the city’s annual Remembrance Parade and Service at the War Memorial in Burdon Road.
The parade was led by personnel from 3rd Battalion The Rifles, who have the Freedom of the City, accompanied by the British Army Band Catterick and Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band.
As in previous years, two field guns from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, who also have the Freedom of the City, were fired from the terrace in Mowbray Park to signal 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 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 in a march past of veterans and serving members of His Majesty’s Forces. The salute will be taken by Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear Lt. Gen. Robin V Brims, CB, CBE, DSO, DL; the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque and Lt Col Thomas Redon.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque, said:
“We’re 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, the tributes have also taken on an added poignancy and symbolism, having marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe in May and the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan in August.
“It’s really moving to see so many people coming together in person to pay tribute to all those involved in past conflicts, as well as honouring the servicemen and women of today and letting them know how much we value what they do and appreciate the sacrifices they make on our behalf.”
Remembrance Services were also held in Easington Lane, Fencehouses, Houghton, Ryhope, Silksworth, South Hylton, Fatfield in Washington and Washington Village.
Armistice Day is also being commemorated in Sunderland with a two-minute silence at 11am on Tuesday 11 November to mark the Armistice that ended 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, Hylton Castle, Fulwell Mill, the White Lighthouse at Seaburn, Keel Square and High Street West, will be lit red from this evening until and the evening of Armistice Day on Tuesday 11 November.
