Celebrations to honour armed forces’ heroism
A SPECIAL programme of parades and ceremonies will take place across Teesside and the surrounding area to mark this year’s Armed Forces Day.
The date has been earmarked in the calendar for tomorrow, when Teesside town centres will host a number of commemorative events designed to show appreciation for the work of the services past, present and future.
Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton have announced their programme of events, Middlesbrough’s was held last Saturday and Darlington’s on Monday.
Here’s a guide to what’s coming up, where and when if you want to attend and show your support.
REDCAR
Redcar’s commemorative events will be held tomorrow, the day will officially start at 10.20am with a parade of military personnel, both past and present, on Redcar High Street.
Entertainment has been organised throughout the day for people of all ages, with music and singers, cadet drill displays and children’s activities including a climbing wall and a mobile cave.
An iconic Lancaster Bomber will be seen in the skies for a fly past during the afternoon and military memorabilia will be on display. Refreshments will be on offer, and local charities and groups will have stalls along the High Street.
The event, which finishes at 3.30pm, is organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council in partnership with Royal British Legion Redcar Branch and Rotary Club.
Eric Howden BEM, chairman of Redcar Branch Royal British Legion, said: “Armed Forces Day is the town’s chance to show its appreciation for our armed forces, past, present and future.
“This year, we have many things planned to make it a fun-packed day for all ages. The High Street will have many stalls from military and civilian charities, plus singers and dancers and much more.”
STOCKTON
There will be two events in Stockton. A flag-raising ceremony was held on Monday outside Stockton Town Hall.
A second event will take place on Thursday on Stockton High Street for the Borough’s Armed Forces Day.
From 9.30am there will be a number of information stalls to find out more about the Armed Forces, as well as singing from Northfield School and Sports College, Crooksbarn Primary School and Norton Primary Academy.
First and Second World War singer Janie St John will be performing at 9.30am, 10.30am and 1.15pm and a thanksgiving service will also take place at 11.45am with music from the Salvation Army.
The event will be capped off by infantry regiment The Rifles, who will give a special performance in the fountains area of the High Street from 2.15pm.
Stockton Council leader Councillor Bob Cook said: “It’s vitally important that we never forget the selfless commitment, endeavour and sacrifice of our Armed Forces to keep us safe at home and abroad.
“The events we have planned feel like a fitting tribute to those who have served and also those who continue to do so. I’d certainly encourage you to come along to Stockton High Street to show your support if you can.”
MIDDLESBROUGH
Middlesbrough’s Armed Forces Day was held on Saturday with a programme of events to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces.
It took place at the crossroads of Linthorpe Road and Corporation Road which included live music from a vintage singing trio, dancers and arts and crafts.
DARLINGTON
In Darlington, a Flying the Flag ceremony was held on Monday, June 20 followed by a walk to Market Square.
Tomorrow, the Darlington branch of the Royal British Legion will also be at Darlington Carnival in Stanhope Park with a procession through Darlington town centre.
Armed Forces Day is the town’s chance to show its appreciation for our armed forces, past, present and
future.
Eric Howden
BEM
HARTLEPOOL
Hartlepool’s mayor councillor Brian Cowie marked Armed Forces Day at the Heugh Battery on The Headland, Hartlepool last Saturday.
“It is so important that we mark these occasions in support of the many people who give their lives in service in the defence of our great nation,” he said on social media.
“We respect those veterans and current serving personnel in the Army, Navy and RAF and in the volunteer/reserve corps.”