Remembering in a ‘very different’ way this year
Sunderland’s “very different” programme of Remembrance is getting underway as the city looks to mark the annual commemorations despite the national lockdown.
Due to Covid restrictions, the council is not going ahead with the annual city centre Remembrance Service and Parade and residents are being urged to stay at home to pay their respects.
As part of a Remembrance in Sunderland online programme, a series of poignant short films have been created with Lonely Tower Film and Media, which will be available to view over the Remembrance weekend.
These films include interviews with some of the city’s inspiring veterans who make each Remembrance Day in Sunderland so special, the story of the Sikh’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars and how Washington couple Mary and Terry Evans traced and visited the grave of their First World War ancestor in Belgium.
On Sunday, November 8, the Remembrance service will be streamed online from 10.45am so that the residents of Sunderland can still pay tribute at home for the fallen.
The pre-record eds ervice will feature the traditional aspects of the annual Remembrance event including The Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Mrs Susan Win field O BE reading In Flanders Fields and centenarian and prisoner of war on the Death Railway, Len Gibson BE M reading the moving Far East Prisoners of War Prayer.
Residents will be able to pay their respects as The Last Post and the chimes of Big Ben ring before observing the two-minute silence.
Speaking about this year's Remembrance commemorations, The Mayor, Councillor David Snowdon, said: "Remembrance Sunday has always been an important opportunity for the whole city to come together to pay tribute to all those who fought in conflicts past and present.
"Even though we can't be together in person, I know as a city we will come together and reflect on this important day and we will always remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice."
The Royal British Legion is also encouraging people across the UK to ensure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by taking part in remote Remembrance activity.
Council Leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, said: "Sadly because of the pandemic and specifically the current lockdown guidance, we are asking people to mark this year’s Remembrance Sunday in a very different way and I would encourage everyone to take the time to join in online”
Pen shaw Monument, Northern Spire br id ge,Fulwell Mill, the White lighthouse at Sea burn, Keel Square and High Street West, are also being lit red from Remembrance Sunday until Armistice Day on November 11. The Beacon is being lit red from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11.
There will also be the premiere by Opera Sunderland of The Soldier’s Return on November 8 and will be available to watch for free until November 30 via https://www. opera sunderland. co.uk/operas-events/the-soldiers-return.
Details of Sunderland Remembrance 2020 online programme can be found at: https://www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/sunderlandremembrance-online-2020