Armed Forces Day service sees servicemen and women commemorated

The efforts of British servicemen and women past and present have been recognised at a service on Tyneside.

War veterans, serving forces personnel, MPs, VIPs and uniformed groups across North Tyneside came together on Monday to observe Armed Forces Day, which gives the nation an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community.

The service at the White Swan Centre in Killingworth began with elected mayor for North Tyneside Norma Redfearn raising the flag at 10am.

Ex-service personnel, including volunteer and regular reserves, were presented with HM Armed Forces badges by Commander Liz Bryson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.

There were also performances by the choir of Bailey Green Primary School and Learning Disability North East Choir.

The service was also attended by Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell and his North Tyneside counterpart Mary Glindon, the chairman of North Tyneside Council, Coun Gary Bell, and Retired Major Bill Campbell TD, joint chairman of North Tyneside Veterans Committee.

Coun Bell, who is also the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the entire nation to support our Armed Forces community and to thank those who have served their country and fought for our freedom.

“This year Armed Forces Day has a very special significance, as we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two and continue to recognise the enormous debt of gratitude we owe to those brave servicemen and women.

“We must never forget those who laid down their lives, or their loved ones who carry their legacies forward.

“And while we remember the past, we also pay tribute to all today’s servicemen and women, who serve in our name in conflicts around the world and are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.”

The event followed a military parade and open air church service at South Shields on Sunday to mark Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated across Britain on Saturday.

An armed forces weekend takes place at Sunderland from Friday to Sunday with a military parade and Union Flag Waving Concert.

A further commemoration is held at Widdrington near Morpeth in Northumberland on Saturday, with a marching of the Royal British Legion Standard through the village, and other activities.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/killingworth-armed-forces-day-service-9506288