'We will remember them' - Sunderland announces details of Remembrance parade

16/06/2008

 Whilst, most regrettably, Remembrance parades throughout the length and breadth of Great Britain are declining, the Sunderland Remembrance  parade is expanding and developing with each passing year. 

Preparations are already well underway for this year’s parade, which is now widely recognised as being the biggest and most inclusive event of its kind outside of London.

This great occasion has, in recent years, been led by the bands of Royal Air Force Regiment and College, and the Band and Bugles of the Light Division; Sunderland still being very much Durham Light Infantry country!  In 2005, marking 60 years since the end of the Second World War, they were honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex as guests; and they both did a wonderful job, ensuring that every-one at the Civic Centre had the opportunity to speak with them.

Last years Remembrance Parade on Sunday 11th November, 2007 drew well almost two-thousand people to the area of Mowbray Park to pay their respects and applaud the parade participants, despite it being damp and chilly. 

This year’s parade will be led by the Band of the Light Cavalry, and we anticipate that even more serving members of Her Majesty’s Forces will be with us including 4th Regiment Royal Artillery – Wearside’s Gunners, and 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards who have recently completed an arduous tour of Afghanistan.

A very warm welcome is extended to all who value the ethos of  Remembrance to join in on Sunday 9th November.  Details of the 2008 
parade can be obtained by contacting Arthur Lockyear on 0191373 2035.

Arthur Lockyear, who founded the parade organising group in the early 
1990’s, served for thirty years as a fire fighter with Tyne and Wear 
Fire and Rescue.