Tribute to fallen war heroes installed at Southwick Green cenotaph

The new iron benches have replaced tired-looking wooden ones and improvements have also been made to the surrounding landscaping, with shrubbery removed to tidy up the area.

The new tributes depict soldiers at war and poppies, creating a poignant tribute to the nation’s fallen – having been installed in time for this year’s Remembrance Day.

Local councillor Alex Samuels has said that the cenotaph is a focal point of the community and the benches will be used by many for years to come.

Cllr Samuels commented: “Veterans and the armed forces are very important to us the people of Southwick and the surrounding areas.

“You can see this in the increasingly large crowds that gather here at the cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday to remember their sacrifice for our country each year.

“We’re really proud to have a new focal point that the community can visit to pay their respects to those who died to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.

“We know this year will be a different Remembrance Day to others, as we fight a battle against Covid, but these benches will be used for years to come, as a place of quiet remembrance.”

Remembrance Day across Wearside will have a different take this year as Sunderland City Council have confirmed that the annual Remembrance Sunday parade will be held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A service will be hosted on Sunday, November 8 to allow members of the public to pay their respects and it will include the two-minute silence at 11am.

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