Armed Forces Day Goes Digital for 2020

South Tyneside is set to pay a virtual tribute to the Armed Forces community as part of national celebrations to mark Armed Forces Day this Saturday (27 June).

The event is celebrated every year in South Tyneside in collaboration with the Bad-Landers Motorcycle Club, giving the public an opportunity to show their appreciation for the Armed Services community at a special event at South Shields seafront.

However, as this year's event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, activity to mark the occasion will take place virtually for the first time since Armed Forces Day was established 12 years ago.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, and British Army veteran, Councillor Norman Dick said: "Armed Forces Day gives people a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community and to reflect on the amazing work they do to protect the UK and her interests both at home and overseas.

"Although events won't be able to take their usual form this year, we will still be marking this very special celebration and encouraging people to get involved from their homes. It is so important to support our military personnel, past and present, and to show our troops that we really do value their commitment."

South Tyneside will join cities and towns from across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day with a special tribute across the Council's social media channels on Saturday 27 June. Residents are invited to get involved by observing the two minutes silence at 11am from home and sharing pictures of their salutes using the hashtag #SaluteOurForces

South Shields Town Hall will also fly the Armed Forces Day flag.

Councillor Ed Malcolm, Chairman of South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum, said: "Despite the difficult circumstances we all find ourselves in, we are determined to reflect on the sacrifices made by the armed forces community and recognise such incredible service to the nation by people from all walks of life. Their work is vital to the defence of our country.

"#SaluteOurForces is a really simple way for people to get involved and show their support."

The annual South Tyneside Armed Forces Day event featuring the Bad-Landers Motorcycle Club cavalcade, military parade, moving service and family fun day, is not going ahead this year due to current Government guidance on mass gatherings and the need for social distancing.

It is just one of the many ways South Tyneside Council celebrates and supports ex-servicemen and women, serving officers and their families.

For further information about the wealth of support given to the Armed Forces community visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/jobs

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