THOUSANDS have turned out to pay their respects at remembrance events held across the region today and over the last few days.
In Darlington the traditional procession gathered at the cenotaph at Darlington Memorial Hospital this morning where the Reverend James Harvey of Holy Trinity Church led the Act of Remembrance.
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Civic dignitaries including Darlington Mayor Cyndi Hughes laid a wreath in memory of all those from the borough who lost their lives in the world wars and later conflicts.
Today's service at the cenotaph in the grounds of Darlington Memorial Hospital
In Sunderland, service personnel and veterans from across the city joined the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Harry Trueman, when the city paid its respects at the annual Remembrance Parade and Service at the War Memorial in Burdon Road today.
The parade was led by The Royal Signals Northern Band and the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band.
The 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, 8 Rifles and crew members from Sunderland's affiliated warship, HMS Anson also part.
As in previous years, field guns provided by the 4th Regiment signalled the start of the two-minute silence at 11am.
This was followed by the annual wreath laying around the war memorial and on the memorial wall.
The wall was built with funds raised by the charity Brothers in Arms to provide a permanent tribute to those who have lost their lives in active service since the end of World War Two.
A new name added to the wall this year is that of 21-year-old Stephen White from Washington, who was killed when his ship HMS Ardent was sunk in an air attack by Argentinian forces in May 1982 in the Falkland Islands.
The parade ended in a march past of veterans and serving members of Her Majesty's Forces with the salute taken by Lt Col ME Brocklesby RA., Mrs Susan Winfield, OBE Lord-Lieutenant and the Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Harry Trueman.
The service in Sunderland today Picture: Gary Walsh
Mayor Councillor Harry Trueman, said: "I know that last year many people really missed being able to mark Remembrance Sunday by attending the service and parade at the War Memorial.
"It's always been such an important opportunity for the whole city to come together to pay tribute to all those who fought in conflicts past and present and those who gave up their lives for their country.
"I'm really pleased that this year we've been able to come together in person to pay tribute to all those involved in past conflicts, as well as honouring the servicemen and women of today and letting them know how much we value what they do and appreciate the sacrifices they make on our behalf."
Remembrance Services were also held in Easington Lane, Fencehouses, Houghton, Ryhope, Silksworth, South Hylton, Fatfield in Washington and Washington Village.
Following the service, crew members from HMS Anson, Sunderland's affiliated warship laid a wreath at a memorial bench at Sunderland Yacht club for Anthony Huntrod, from Town End Farm, who was killed in an accident on board HMS Tireless in 2007.
City landmarks including Northern Spire Bridge, Penshaw Monument, Hylton Castle, Fulwell Mill, the White Lighthouse at Seaburn, Keel Square and High Street West are also being lit red for Remembrance tonight.
Special events were also held following the traditional Remembrance Day on November 11.
On Friday, Redcar and Cleveland College held an historic Service of Remembrance which pays a special tribute to 103 “Old Boys” of the town’s former Sir William Turner’s School, lost during the First and Second World Wars.
The service at Redcar and Cleveland College
After last year’s ceremony had to be held online due to the pandemic, historian and former head of history at Sir William Turner’s Sixth Form College, Peter Chester, said: “It was nice to see people back together.”
“There was an appreciation from the current college students, who recognised the importance and seriousness of the ceremony, which is always encouraging to see.”
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Now in its 99th year, the service offers the chance to share some of the details about the real people behind the names listed on the granite cross in the college grounds and the bronze memorial plaque inside the college.
In Ripon on Friday, children of armed forces personnel stationed in North Yorkshire gathered at the cathedral for their own special service of Remembrance.
Throughout the service, the children sang songs, read poetry and displayed art to celebrate 100-years of the poppy as the symbol of remembrance.
Wensleydale School Choir singing at the Ripon Cathedral service
Highlights included a performance of 100 Years of the Poppy, a new song written by members of Wensleydale School choir, as well as performances from the Northern Military Kids Club Choir.
Around 200 children took part in the service at the cathedral, fewer than on previous occasions because of Covid-19 precautions, but many more watched through a livestream.
North Yorkshire County Council chair Cllr Stuart Martin attended and said: “Being back in the cathedral after the pandemic forced last year’s service online enabled those present to experience the full vibrancy of the children’s voices and art in this wonderful setting.
"I’m sure this heartfelt act of remembrance was appreciated by all those in the cathedral and the many more who watched online.
"We must always remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.”
Goathland War Memorial Picture: Gerald England
Meanwhile in Goathland, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on the advice of Historic England, listed a First World War memorial in the village in time for Armistice Day.
The memorial stands in the village green, in the heart of the conservation area in the village which is a popular filming location for TV and movies.
Built in the aftermath of the First World War (1914-1918), the memorial was funded by subscriptions raised from the villagers.
Remembrance service in Norton, Stockton Picture: Gary Walsh
The names of 18 local men are engraved on it – 12 who lost their lives in the First World War and a further six who were added after the Second World War.
Veronica Fiorato, Historic England’s Listings Team Leader, said: “The war memorial in Goathland is among tens of thousands erected across England in memory of the many people who lost their lives in the First World War.
“In place of graves, the memorials became focal points for local communities to mourn and honour their dead.
"It is a permanent testament to the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the conflict and was funded by money raised from the village.
“War memorials like this tell the stories of local communities and must be protected for future generations.”
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