South Tyneside residents urged to commemorate Remembrance 2020 on their doorsteps

Owing to restrictions imposed as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Remembrance Day service and parades traditionally held in the borough will not take place.

Commemorations have instead been moved online for 2020, with residents asked to pay their respects at home, by observing the national two-minute silence and following local tributes to be streamed on South Tyneside Council’s social media channels.

The virtual tributes will be broadcast at 11am this Sunday and on Armistice Day itself, Wednesday, November 11.

South Tyneside Council is also putting on a pre-recorded a virtual service, featuring a two-minute silence and footage of wreaths being laid at borough war memorials. This will be streamed via the council’s social media pages at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.

Commenting ahead of this year’s commemorative tributes, Armed Forces veteran and mayor of South Tyneside, Norman Dick, said: “We are extremely proud of our Armed Forces past and present and always place our veterans and military personnel at the heart of our commemorations.

“Sadly, it is simply not possible to deliver our traditional remembrance events in line with Government restrictions. We understand many people will be disappointed, but the safety of our residents, visitors, military personnel, veterans and their families, are our main priority right now. They must be protected, particularly at this crucial stage in the pandemic.

“Although, we are not holding any physical public events, we will still mark this very special occasion and are urging people to get involved safely by observing a two minutes’ silence on their doorstep, in their garden or in the home.

“For those who have internet access, the Council will screen virtual tributes online. The national service will also be broadcast on TV and radio.

“We can all take the opportunity to tune in to TV or radio, or connect online, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by such brave service men and women, while showing support for our Armed Forces community.”

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