On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, the guns fell silent.

We will remember them; our promise on Armistice Day.

The two-minute silence on Wednesday 11 November 2020 is a solemn moment of remembrance for all those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

This year, our Remembrance activities will be different. Covid-19 has led to services cancelled or scaled back. However, it has also led to some unique acts of Remembrance in support of this year’s Poppy Appeal.

I was honoured to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, Seaham, on Remembrance Sunday. The Royal British Legion scaled back service ensured that people had the opportunity to honour those who have fallen, despite Covid.

The Poppy Appeal has also been affected by Covid with fewer venues, retailers, pubs and clubs selling poppies. However, this has not stopped local efforts to help the Poppy Appeal.

As we observed Remembrance Sunday around the Cenotaph, Seaham, there was a group of tired veterans who had participated in a unique fundraising effort – ‘Stag on in Remembrance’. In one hour stints, veterans took shifts to stand guard in a continuous 24-hour vigil from Saturday 11am to Remembrance Sunday, in honour of their fallen comrades and to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal.

The fundraiser started with a target of £1000, with donations accepted via a Go Fund Me page, and a bucket next to those standing guard.

I am delighted that at the time of write, the £1000 target has been met, and exceeded, with over £2,600 raised online alone.

We are fortunate to have an active veteran’s community, that observe anniversaries, step up during community crises, and act to support military causes. As the fundraiser for the Royal British Legion shows, the whole community appreciates and thanks our veterans.

Your support for ‘Stag on in Remembrance’ has been overwhelming and has shown our solidarity with those who serve and protect us.

Donations for ‘Stag on in Remembrance’ can be made until Sunday 15 November at https://www.gofundme.com/f/stag-on-in-remembrance