THE TEARS OF TOMMY
A double memorial has been unveiled as a town pays tribute to those lost as they served their country.
Seaham Field of Remembrance is a permanent display of bronze-coloured resin poppies listing the 900 names of servicemen and women who died as they helped protect Britain.
Ahead of its unveiling ceremony, the community helped the Seaham Remember Them Fund complete a poppy display at the feet of the Tommy statue, which will remain in place for the next fortnight.
Hundreds turned out to join in the day, which was attended by Sue Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Eric Ingram, Northumberland county president of the Royal British Legion, Easington MP Grahame Morris, Mayor of Seaham Barbara Allen, all three of the town’s cadet forces, its Scouts and the 103 Field Squadron, which helped attach the poppies to the fence.
Houghton Pipe Band played, with the Last Post performed as people fell silent to remember those who gave their lives.
Members of the 103 Field Squadron also attended after they helped attach the popA pies to the fence.
Gary Richardson led the memorial project with the help of historians Kathleen Anderson and Brian Scollen, while Washington artist Allan Scott was commissioned to create the resin poppies.
Gary, who is also chairman of the town’s Royal British Legion branch, said: “I think there’s been a lovely turnout and it’s been an excellent day.
“This is now here for everybody to see.”
This year’s pebble project is themed Tears of Victory, with 390 knitted poppies, created by Hendon woman Beverley Jobey and her partner Lee Dickeson, also added to Tommy.
Dave McKenna, of the Seaham Remember Them Fund, said: “We hope this highlights the work of the Poppy Appeal and the Royal British Legion, which supports our veterans and has done for almost 100 years, and helps them as they return to Civvy Street.”
“This is now here for everybody to see” GARY RICHARDSON