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Why Remembrance is so important
NOVEMBER 11 will mark the 91st anniversary of the end of the First World War.
However, with ongoing wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where soldiers are still losing their lives, this year will hold more significance then ever.
Five of the latest deaths happened when unarmed soldiers who had been training Afghan police, were shot at by an officer they were instructing.
Another soldier died on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 230 in Afghanistan alone.
Most shoppers in King Street felt November 11 should be a day for the nation to show its gratitude to those that laid down their lives.
Cynthia Johnson, a cashier assistant from Whiteleas, South Shields, thinks this year's poppy appeal has been more popular that ever.
She said: "I've noticed more people wearing poppies than ever before.
"It can only be a good thing because those that died should never be forgotten.
"It's a shame that a few more of the younger ones didn't wear them, it would be nice to see."
Sarah Banks, 88, of Whiteleas, South Shields, echoed the same comments, believing that the day should always have a place in the hearts of the British public.
She added: "I think everyone should wear a poppy. It's showing respect to all those that have lost their lives."
Joseph Hanson, 75, of Grosvenor Road, South Shields, wears a poppy every year.
He said: "My brother is actually out selling poppies right now. I think it's extremely important to show gratitude and respect, no one ever wins in a war.
"Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important days of the year and should always have a place among the British public.
"I know there are some that don't wear them, and I really think they should be told to."
Stephanie Wilkinson, 18, of Horsley Hill, South Shields, said although she didn't know much about Remembrance Sunday, she knew the significance of the poppy.
She said: "I don't know much detail about the day, but I know people wear poppies to remember those who have died."
John Baines, 86, from Marsden, South Shields, was in the Merchant Navy for 50 years and thinks the day is just as poignant.
He said: "A lot of people these days tend to think that just because the war was years ago, that it doesn't matter, but it is the opposite.
"Soldiers are still being killed and the least we can do is take time out of our day to remember them.
"And all these young ones that don't seem to bother, do they not have grandparents who were affected by the war ,or friends that are out fighting in one now?"
Alex Guiseley, a 17-year-old A-level student from Marsden, South Shields, thinks the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq highlight the day more than ever.
He said: "Almost every day a soldier is killed, and wearing a poppy to remember them isn't too much to ask.
"I'm head boy at my school and we have start selling them.
"I know Remembrance Day was originally for those that died in the world wars but with deaths at least every week, I definitely think it's important for everyone to acknowledge that."
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 10 February 2012
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