Young air cadets from Longbenton joined veteran's, serving personnel, their loved ones, dignitaries, and the local community to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.The cadets joined North Tyneisde MPs, Mary Glindon and Alan Campbell and Elected Mayor, Linda Arkley at the Jigsaw War Memorial in Killingworth to mark Armistace Day on 11 November before parading through the streets of Forest Hall and Benton on Remembrance Day.
This year's commerative events meant that little bit more to the youngsters, who have recently welcomed home from Afghanistan injured in action, ex-cadet and George Stephenson High School student, Duran Dawson, 21. The cadets have also been learning about the experiences of pilot and navigator, John Peters and John Nichol who were shot down in the first Gulf War.
Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said; "Welcoming home Duran has provided the cadets with a front line understanding of the sacrifices and consequences of war; and how that impacts upon families and life here in the UK."
The cadets have also been supporting this year's Poppy Appeal in support of the Royal British Legion. "The Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Parades let us show our appreciation and respect to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice and their families, and to say thank you to current personnel too" said Zack Wylie, 15, who laid the squadron's wreath during the Remembrance Service.
"They are all an example of courage and bravery and we have learnt a lot over recent weeks about that and how important it is to trust each other," added Hardit Parmar, 17.
