There will be a Homecoming Ceremony in South Shields this Sunday (29th November) for the brave men and women who have returned from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
South Tyneside Council is hosting the ceremony to express its full support for 205 (3rd DVA) Bty, RA (V) and 4 Platoon, 12 Company, 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (V) in Hebburn.
The ceremony will begin at 12 noon when the troops assemble at the South Shields Register Office. Led by the Pipes and Drums of 101 Regiment, they will make a short march to the Town Hall at 12.30pm for the salute, troop inspection, speeches and readings.
The contribution, courage and sacrifices made by servicemen and women from South Tyneside who are currently serving or have served other conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Northern Ireland as well as Afghanistan and Iraq will also be recognised.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor John Anglin is urging all serving or ex forces personnel, their families, friends and local people to come along to Sunday's ceremony to welcome home the troops and remember those who have lost their lives.
The Mayor said: "While our troops have been away their flag has been flying from South Shields Town Hall. It will be lowered on Sunday and I will be honoured to return it back to their Battery Commander Major Peter Winton now that they are home.
The Last Post will be sounded as flag is lowered from the Town Hall and presented to the Mayor who will formally hand it over to Major Winton.
Major Winton said: "The support given by South Tyneside Council to the soldiers from 205 Battery who have deployed on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan has been second to none. We have been incredibly proud of the Council's ground breaking decision to fly the Battery flag over the Town Hall and know it has been recognised far and wide as a mark of the close relationship between the town and its soldiers. Our soldiers will continue to serve on British Army operations in Afghanistan or wherever we are called upon to do so and it is heartening to know that we have the people of South Shields behind us."
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