Two Hartlepool memorials to be lit red to mark Remembrance Day 2020

Published Monday, 2nd November 2020

Plans have been announced for Remembrance activities to allow residents the opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women of the Second World War generation and to those of all generations.

Unfortunately, as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, different ways have had to be considered to perform Remembrance activities in 2020.

On Friday 6 November, three Union Flags will be raised and flown at full mast until Friday 13 November.

Also on Friday 6 November, two wreath laying Acts of Remembrance will be filmed at Victory Square and the Redheugh Gardens War Memorial. Video recordings of these will then be shared via the Council’s website and social media platforms.

Mrs Sue Snowdon – H.M. Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham – has also very kindly agreed to record a special commemorative video message and Armed Forces Associations in Hartlepool are being invited to lay wreaths at Victory Square from 12 noon on Friday 6 November and throughout the day on Saturday 7 November.

On the evening of Wednesday 11 November – Armistice Day itself – the Victory Square Cenotaph and the Redheugh Gardens War Memorial will both be lit up in red.  

Remembrance crosses for those lost in Hartlepool will also be planted on the grassed areas of Victory Square and an online Book of Remembrance will be available to sign at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/remembrance2020.

Local artist Diane Watson has also created a short video showing how to make a poppy from a recycled plastic bottle which can be watched by clicking here.

Ian Pounder, the organist at St Hilda's Church, has kindly offered to record two hymns - Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer and O God, Our Help in Ages Past.

The Acts of Remembrance and other elements will all be available to watch from the afternoon of Friday 6 November at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/remembrance2020 and across the weekend at www.facebook.com/hartlepoolcouncil and www.twitter.com/HpoolCouncil

Denise McGuckin, Hartlepool Borough Council Managing Director, said: “We owe a tremendous debt to generations of our local service men and women and to our emergency services for the sacrifices they have made and the bravery and dedication they have shown.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly and unfortunately our Remembrance events will look somewhat different this year as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, but I’m pleased residents will still be able to watch these Acts of Remembrance and sign an online Book of Remembrance.

“It’s the first time we’ll have lit War Memorials in this way and I hope this will help us mark Remembrance 2020 with the due dignity it deserves.

“There are also a number of simple ways we can all perform Remembrance activities such as creating a Remembrance space in your garden by planting plants that have a connection to Remembrance or using Zoom, Facebook or another online meeting resource to host an online Remembrance service or activity.”

Remembrance ideas for 2020

  • Hold a small Remembrance service in your garden with your household.
  • Make a poppy from a recycled bottle in five easy steps.
  • Create a Remembrance space in your garden by planting plants that have a connection to Remembrance.
  • Use Zoom, Facebook or another online meeting resource to host an online Remembrance service or activity.
  • Write letters of Remembrance to veterans or serving personnel.