Remembrance 2020

Unfortunately, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hartlepool Borough Council will not be hosting public events at the Victory Square and Redheugh Gardens war memorials this year.

However, a number of alternative 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.

Two wreath laying Acts of Remembrance will be filmed at Victory Square and the Redheugh Gardens War Memorial and video recordings of these will be available to watch at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/remembrance2020

Mrs Sue Snowdon – H.M. Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham – has also very kindly recorded a special commemorative video message which will be available on the same webpage.

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

An online Book of Remembrance is also 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.

The Acts of Remembrance and other elements will also be available to watch at www.facebook.com/hartlepoolcouncil and www.twitter.com/HpoolCouncil

Denise McGuckin, Hartlepool Borough Council Managing Director, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly but public safety is paramount at this challenging time and 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.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them."