How you can mark Armed Forces Day online as annual event cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

South Tyneside residents are set to pay a virtual tribute to the armed forces community as they mark Armed Forces Day during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Taking place on Saturday, June 27, the annual celebration enables the public to show their appreciation for the armed services community.

Each year, a parade, service and family fun day, is held at South Shields seafront in collaboration with the Bad-Landers Motorcycle Club – but for the first time in its 12 year history the day will be marked online.

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The virtual tribute comes after the event had to be cancelled due to the current Government guidance on mass gatherings and the need for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

South Tyneside Armed Forces Day 2020. 
The Mayor of South Tyneside Councillor Norman Dick is pictured with Chairman of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum Councillor Ed Malcolm, Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Col. Ann Clouston, Capt. James Foster of 205 Battery and Army Veteran and NAAFI Break organiser Joe Mills.South Tyneside Armed Forces Day 2020. 
The Mayor of South Tyneside Councillor Norman Dick is pictured with Chairman of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum Councillor Ed Malcolm, Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Col. Ann Clouston, Capt. James Foster of 205 Battery and Army Veteran and NAAFI Break organiser Joe Mills.
South Tyneside Armed Forces Day 2020. The Mayor of South Tyneside Councillor Norman Dick is pictured with Chairman of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum Councillor Ed Malcolm, Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Col. Ann Clouston, Capt. James Foster of 205 Battery and Army Veteran and NAAFI Break organiser Joe Mills.

Instead, a special tribute will be shared across the council’s social media channels on Saturday, June 27, with residents in the borough encouraged to show their support by observing a two minutes silence at 11am from home and sharing pictures of their salutes using the hashtag #SaluteOurForces.

South Shields Town Hall will also fly the Armed Forces Day flag.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, and British Army veteran, Councillor Norman Dick, said: “Armed Forces Day gives people a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community and to reflect on the amazing work they do to protect the UK and her interests both at home and overseas.

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“Although events won’t be able to take their usual form this year, we will still be marking this very special celebration and encouraging people to get involved from their homes.

“It is so important to support our military personnel, past and present, and to show our troops that we really do value their commitment.”

Councillor Ed Malcolm, Chairman of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum, said: “Despite the difficult circumstances we all find ourselves in, we are determined to reflect on the sacrifices made by the armed forces community and recognise such incredible service to the nation by people from all walks of life.

"Their work is vital to the defence of our country and #SaluteOurForces is a really simple way for people to get involved and show their support.”

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