Norcare

As another Remembrance Sunday passes over, we are once again reminded of those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.  And not only do we bow our heads in remembrance of those who fought the battles in years gone by, but also those who have been in recent conflicts.  With troops still on duty in Afghanistan and in other troubled areas around the world, this tribute to all those that serve remains as poignant as ever.   

Many members of the public gathered on Friday to mark the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at Trafalgar Square in London.  And this year was made even more special with the year being 2011. 

Our own Phil Thompson, ex-Major from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who now runs the successful Veterans’ Centre in Newcastle, was present at three different events over the Remembrance weekend.  This is his take on the weekend that holds a very special place in his heart.

“My Remembrance weekend started by being invited along with staff and veterans from Brims House to the official opening and Remembrance Parade of the Brothers in Arms Memorial Wall on the 11/11/11. 

The wall was built with funds raised through the determination and hard work of Brothers in Arms, and a group of Wearside families who have lost loved ones in combat and training.  The tribute, next to the Burdon Road cenotaph, bears the names of 20 local servicemen who have lost their lives since the end of the Second World War.  We were able to lay out our own Norcare wreath to pay our greatest respects.

It was heartfelt hearing Tom Cuthbertson, one of the Brothers in Arms founders talk about his son who he had lost, Nathan, 19, in June 2008 while he was fighting in Afghanistan.  The wall is in honour of all the sons and daughters who gave their lives in conflict and training. It was a tremendous triumph by the families to not only have the idea but also to make it a reality.

On the evening my partner, staff and some of our veterans went to the Stadium of Light to attend a dinner night in memory of those who served, are serving or have fallen.  Watching a DVD about the sons of the families brought back memories of those who I had known, who lost their lives on various operations such as Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, which still today makes me choke when I get time to reflect.  And I could see it in most of the veterans’ eyes as I glanced about the room.

On Saturday 12^th November, I went to a day of Remembrance in Durham.  The Remembrance weekend is very important to me.  It brings back memories, some sad, but also the good times that I had and it puts my life into perspective once again. 

I and We should Always Remember Them.”