Fallen heroes to be remembered in Gateshead
Hundreds of service men and women from the North who lost their lives fighting for their country are to be remembered with a moving display of crosses in a Tyneside park.
The Field of Remembrance will be planted in Gateshead’s Saltwell Park. Thousands of poignant wooden crosses and other commemorative markers, each featuring the name of fallen service men and women will transform the area into a large-scale tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
The help and support that the Royal British Legion provides to serving personnel and the families of our fallen does not just end when the wreathes are lain on Remembrance Sunday, they are there 365 days a year giving help and support wherever it is needed.
Marc Reynolds, Royal British Legion Northumbria County Chairman said “We owe an enormous debt to all members of the Armed Forces who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to service, putting themselves in harm’s way to defend the freedoms we all enjoy.
“It’s an honour to mark the opening of this year’s Field of Remembrance in Gateshead, particularly as we mark the 10th anniversary of the field being located in Gateshead.
“It is crucial we remember those commemorated in the Field of Remembrance, each of whom made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. I hope people will take the opportunity to visit the Field of Remembrance in Saltwell Park and ensure their sacrifice is not forgotten.”
This is the tenth year that Gateshead’s Saltwell Park has had the honour of hosting the Field of Remembrance, the only event of its kind in the whole of Northern England.
Mayor of Gateshead, Cllr Dot Burnett, said: “Our region’s strong relationship with the armed forces stretches back generations. It is a huge privilege for Gateshead to host the Field of Remembrance for it’s tenth year and to honour the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
The planting of the crosses will begin on Friday 28 October, and is expected to be complete by Monday 31 October. They will remain in place until 20 November.