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South Shields commemorates her fallen

Despite the debates that continue over Britain’s role in Afghanistan and the security implications for us here in the UK, today was a day for remembering and commemorating all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. A day for politicians, public, old, and young to come together and give thanks. The annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony was held at the town’s Westoe Cenotaph war memorial this morning on a typical cold November day which once again threw bright hard sunlight on those gathered, lighting the poppies and wreaths and bathing the crowds in a gentle warmth as the two minute silence was observed impeccable. It was a poignant moment which will be repeated on Armistice Day as we recall how the guns fell silent at the end of the first great war.

The civic party was led by the Mayor and Mayoress Cllr. Jon Anglin and his wife Chris, and the Leader of South Tyneside Council Cllr. Iain Malcolm, representing all of the people of the borough, they were joined by youngsters form the uniformed organisations and numerous veterans from WWll and some recent returnees from Afghanistan. The service was conducted by the Revd. Paul Kennedy, Vicar of St. Michael and All the Angels, Westoe and was synchronised with other services in Jarrow, Hebburn, Cleadon Village, Whitburn, and the Mill Dam.

I am always impressed by the numbers of Shields folk who come together for this occasion and inspired that so many young people congregate quietly to remember with their parents and to converse and discuss with many of the veterans after the service. So long as this continues there is much good to hope for with many of our youngsters.

Click thumbnails to enlarge.

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