Air, Land and Sea - an Online Tribute to the Armed Forces
Support for South Tyneside military communities will take to the skies in a dynamic, action-packed, virtual tribute to mark Armed Forces Day (Saturday 26 June).
As a Gold-rated employer in the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme, South Tyneside Council is an advocate for the Armed Forces community and celebrates the day every year, usually with a special event at South Shields seafront.
However, like last year due to covid, the Council will mark the occasion digitally, with an awe-inspiring, short film to be streamed on its YouTube and social media channels at 11am on Saturday 26 June.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay said: "It is so important to support our military personnel, past and present, and show them that we really do value their commitment.
"Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us all to get behind our Armed Forces community and to reflect on the amazing work they do to protect the UK and her interests both at home and abroad.
"Although the event that we have come to know and love won't take its usual format this year, we are determined to mark this very special celebration once again with a wonderful online tribute.
"We hope people will join us online for what not only promises to be an exciting adventure but a fabulous tribute to our Armed Forces."
The Air, Land and Sea-themed film will open with a spectacular scene featuring free-falling skydivers and involve the Armed Forces Day flag being passed between various organisations against the backdrop of popular Borough landmarks, before being hoisted up on the flagpole at the 324 Air Cadets base in Northfield Gardens.
The pre-recorded film will include readings and poems by the Mayor, Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear Ann Clouston and young cadets.
It will also feature key partners in the Borough's traditional Armed Forces Day celebrations, with special appearances by the Badlanders Motorcycle Club, 205 (3rd DVA) Battery Royal Artillery (Volunteers), 324 Air Training Corps Squadron and Sea Cadets South Shields. A piper, Major Paul Hamilton, and buglers will also play The Last Post and Reveille.
South Tyneside will be joining cities and towns across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day and will be flying the Armed Forces Day flag over South Shields Town Hall.
Residents are encouraged to get involved by watching the online commemoration from home on Saturday 26 June, at 11am, observing the national two minutes silence and sharing pictures of their salutes and personal tributes, using the hashtag #SaluteOurForces
Councillor Ed Malcolm, Chairman of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum, said: "Armed Forces Day is a fitting tribute to the Borough's Armed Forces community. It gives us a chance to show great appreciation for all they do to help keep our country safe while remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Despite the ongoing restrictions, we are determined to honour all our serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets, who make up our Armed Service community and come from all walks of life. Their work is vital to the defence of our country.
"We would encourage people to watch and share our virtual tribute this weekend. It is a really simple way for people to get involved and show their support."
Marking Armed Forces Day is just one of the many ways South Tyneside Council celebrates and supports ex-servicemen and women, serving officers and their families.
Further information is available at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/armedforces
Residents are encouraged to follow South Tyneside Council's social media channels to share Armed Forces Day activities and celebrations on Facebook STynesideCouncil and LoveSTyneside and on Twitter @STyne_Council and @LoveSTyneside. Use the hashtag #SaluteOurForces