Organisers of a special event to mark the centenary of Stockton’s war memorial are calling for volunteers to take part in a 24-hour vigil of remembrance.

The town's war memorial was unveiled by John Fredrick Lambton, fifth Earl of Durham and Lord Lieutenant of the county, and dedicated by the Bishop of Durham on May 31, 1923.

It cost £7,500 and was paid for with public money, and local people donating towards the memorial, to make sure all those who made the ultimate sacrifice were remembered.

To commemorate the memorial’s 100th anniversary, the Stockton branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) will be holding a 24-hour vigil.

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It will take place from 11am on June 3 to 11am on June 4, and will conclude with a short remembrance service. To mark the occasion, the names of all the fallen from all wars will be read out.

 

The war memorial unveiling in Stockton on May 31, 1923 Pictures Courtesy of Picture Stockton Archive, Stockton-on-Tees Libraries

The war memorial unveiling in Stockton on May 31, 1923 Pictures Courtesy of Picture Stockton Archive, Stockton-on-Tees Libraries

 

The RBL Stockton branch is now inviting people from the borough to take part in the vigil.

A spokesperson said: "Everyone is welcome – you do not have to be a veteran to take part in this commemoration.

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"Places are limited to a first-come-first-served basis. Those who are successful must attend one of two training days to be held in May, for approximately one hour.

"The vigil will be carried out in a solemn and dignified manner. Volunteers must be able to stand still for up to a maximum of 20 minutes. Special arrangements have been made for those who have a disability wishing to take part.

"Those taking part will also need to dress respectfully for this honourable occasion."

This event is also being supported by Stockton Council.

To register an interest or for more information, see the Facebook page Stockton on Tees 24hr VIGIL 3rd-4th June 2023 or email csm2para@gmail.com.