Vigil in shadow of Tommy statue planned by veterans in place of Remembrance service

By Fiona Thompson

Senior Live Reporter

Published 3rd Nov 2020, 11:58 BST

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A team of veterans are to launch a 24-hour vigil in place of a Remembrance Day service as they rally round in support of the Poppy Appeal.

With Covid restrictions and the second national lockdown wiping out some chances to raise money for the Royal British Legion, an alternative way is being used to mark the event ahead of Armistice Day on Wednesday, November 11.

‘Stag on in Remembrance’ will start from 11am on Saturday, November 7, to 11am on Sunday, November 8 on the Terrace Green in Seaham, close to its cenotaph and Ray Lonsdale’s Tommy sculpture.

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The area around the Tommy statue on the Terrace Green is usually used to create a display in honour of Remembrance Day, but the project had to miss this year out due to the pandemic.

The area around the Tommy statue on the Terrace Green is usually used to create a display in honour of Remembrance Day, but the project had to miss this year out due to the pandemic.

A group of 15 veterans will take turns to stand on guard for 60 minutes before a ‘relief in post’ exchange takes place on the hour.

The phrase ‘On stag’ is a British Army term for sentry duty and come hail or shine, the veterans will be out in position as an alternative to the usual Remembrance service.

Among those to take part will be town councillor Dave McKenna, who runs the Seaham Remember Them Fund. He came up with the idea so that the occasion could be recognised in a socially distant way.

Dave McKenna, who leads the Seaham Remember Them Fund, has organised for veterans to carry out a 24-hour vigil on the Terrace Green in place of the annual Remembrance Sunday service.

Dave McKenna, who leads the Seaham Remember Them Fund, has organised for veterans to carry out a 24-hour vigil on the Terrace Green in place of the annual Remembrance Sunday service.

Dave, who served as a Colour Sergeant in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, said: “Of course we will remember them, but we also need to remember those who are still living who need the support of the Poppy Appeal at this time.

"It’s the best way with the lockdown and it will still be special because it will be next to the cenotaph.”

While funds cannot be collected through cash, with the usual tables unable to run in shopping centres and streets, a funding page has been set up for people to make donations.

Hundreds of people usually attend the Remembrance Sunday service on Seaham's Terrace Green.

Hundreds of people usually attend the Remembrance Sunday service on Seaham's Terrace Green.

Easington MP Grahame Morris has backed the fundraising effort and he hoped the vigil would “remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

He added: “We are fortunate in Seaham to have such an active veterans’ community.

"Seaham Veterans delivered Operation Flanders during the peak of the Covid crisis to get hot meals and food to the vulnerable and elderly in our community.

"Now with the second wave of the Covid crisis, Seaham Veterans will stand in remembrance to raise vital funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal.”

The donations page can be found via www.gofundme.com/f/stag-on-in-remembrance.

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Vigil Seaham Royal British Legion