The City of Newcastle was in mourning on the 8th of November for the annual remembrance Sunday ceremony. Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday before Remembrance Day, commemorates the fallen soldiers in military conflicts involving the Army, Royal Navy and RAF across the globe. Started in 1919 by King George V in the years anniversary of the massacres of the first world war, an annual two minute silence is held to commemorate the dead and wounded who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend both loved ones and strangers alike across Britain.
In addition to the two minute silence, there was a military parade starting from the civic hall in Haymarket following through to the war monument in Eldon Square. Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ian McGuire, the Fifth Royal Regiment of Fusiliers lead the parade, though they were also joined by ex-service members, cadets and members from across the entirety of the forces.
The Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley held the service at around 10:45 when the parade convened at the war memorial in a touching tribute. She was joined by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Henry Gallhager and the Armed Forces Champion of Newcastle Council, Cllr David Down.
The Lord Mayor stated, “Remembrance Sunday is an important moment when we pause, remember and pay tribute to those who never came home, those whose lives changed forever and the families and loved ones who shared in their sacrifice.”
“We will also honour our veterans and everyone serving today as we remember that behind every act of service, every war and every conflict, are men, women and children whose sacrifices and stories we must never forget.”
The Lord Mayor also held various other wreath laying ceremonies at other sites of significant across Newcastle, including but not limited to The Burma Star Memorial and the South African War Memorial at Barras Bridge.
This comes as the backdrop of the Ukraine war and assaults in the middle east escalate, reminding us just how volatile the world has become. The Lord Mayor closed remarks by stating:
“In a world where wars and conflicts continue, it is as important as ever that we remember the courage, service and sacrifice of past generations in the hope of a better, more peaceful future for us all.”
The services remind us of the fragility of life and the vital role our armed forces play in our safety.