The commemorative ceremony included speeches, tributes, wreath-laying, and musical performances by pipers from the Newcastle City Pipe Band. A historical tribute by the Royal Pageant Master was read during the service.
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00:00It's always there. When you're wearing this, then it doesn't matter how old you are, because when you join the army, the person next to you, if he's a male or female, becomes your brother or sister.
00:18And that bond stays for life. And that will go on throughout. That's why it's very close relationships within the associations. They've had a very good bonding, looking after each other, like they've done throughout their service and now in their retirement.
00:38And it's so important that our children, not that I've got any, but people who've got children, learn of the event and learn what their forefathers have done.
00:52And I've got family, but we've got children. They want to know and learn all about it so they can pass it on to their children at future dates and future events.
01:06The commemorative ceremony included speeches, tributes, reef laying and musical performances by pipers from the Newcastle City Pipe Band.
01:16A historical tribute by the Royal Patient Master was read during the service.
01:21Following the ceremony, veterans were invited to enjoy a traditional serving of fish and chips in Old Eldon Square, served from a pop of fish and chips van.
01:30This iconic British dish was famously left unrationed by Winston Churchill in tribute to the land army and fishermen who had helped sustain the nation during wartime.
01:40This idea for the fish and chips meal had been suggested by the Royal Patient Master, who had recommended that all the day celebrations across the country include this historic dish.
01:50Well, I'm 80 years old and feeling it now. I actually joined the Royal Navy on the 10th of November 1959 and retired from the Royal Navy on the 22nd of August 1984.
02:06Wow.
02:06Did 25 years.
02:08That's amazing. And what was it like for you?
02:10The majority of it was good. Some of it was naughty, bad, you know. I mean that in a horrible way, you know. You had the good days and bad days, but some of the conflicts we were in didn't help.
02:28My last two and a half years in the Navy, I spent in Belfast, 1981 to 84. I always wanted to join the Navy. Even as a schoolboy, I was a sea cadet. And from sea cadets to the Navy. Didn't change the uniform.
02:45It means I'm eternally grateful to those who gave everything. Yeah. We wouldn't have the freedoms we've got now if it wasn't for them. The ones who didn't come back.