South Tyneside pays tribute on Armed Forces Day with touching video release

Armed Forces Day was marked in the borough today – Saturday, June 26 – with the release of a short film, featuring all three branches of the services.

Opening with a spectacular scene featuring free-falling skydivers, it features the Armed Forces Day flag being passed between various organisations against the backdrop of popular borough landmarks, before being hoisted up on the flagpole at the 324 Air Cadets base in Northfield Gardens.

Ann Clouston, Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, reads from For the Fallen, by Laurence Binyon, with its famous lines, “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn" while Mayor Councillor Pat Hay reads from the Kohima Cemetery epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

The film also contains appearances by young cadets, the Badlanders Motorcycle Club, 205 (3rd DVA) Battery Royal Artillery (Volunteers), 324 Air Training Corps Squadron and Sea Cadets South Shields.

Piper Major Paul Hamilton and buglers also play The Last Post and Reveille.

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

“Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us all to get behind our Armed Forces community and to reflect on the amazing work they do to protect the UK and her interests both at home and abroad.

“Although the event that we have come to know and love won’t take its usual format this year, we are determined to mark this very special celebration once again with a wonderful online tribute.”

Councillor Ed Malcolm is Chair of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum, and added: “Armed Forces Day is a fitting tribute to the Borough’s Armed Forces community.

"It gives us a chance to show great appreciation for all they do to help keep our country safe while remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We would encourage people to watch and share our virtual tribute this weekend. It is a really simple way for people to get involved and show their support.”

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