Military personnel past and present are set to be honoured as plans progress for a special new Veterans’ Walk project in North Tyneside.
North Tyneside Council is working alongside the National Veterans’ Walk charity to create a new feature around the Whitley Bay Cenotaph. It will be made up of personalised stones bearing the names, regiment and number of years in service for armed forces personnel, both currently serving and former members.
Orders are now being taken for the granite plaques, which can be bought by service men and women themselves or by their loved ones as a gift or tribute to others as A Lasting Tribute to Proud Service.
The stones are priced at £299 each, available to order through the National Veterans’ Walk website at www.nationalveteranswalk.co.uk The names of those dedicated are also added to the National Veterans’ Walk Roll of Honour.
Councillor Andy Newman, North Tyneside’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the National Veterans’ Walk charity on this special project where people can dedicate a granite stone to armed forces personnel.
“It will be a wonderful tribute, not only to those servicemen and women who have passed away, but to military personnel who continue to sacrifice so much for their country.
“The beautiful, personalised stones that will make up this new footpath will act as a permanent reminder of their proud service for future generations to see and reflect. It’s an honour to be supporting the charity to create this special addition around the Cenotaph in Whitley Bay.”
Once a batch of engraved stones are processed, planning permission will be sought and the stones will be laid in phases.
Rob Deverson, of the National Veterans’ Walk Charity, said: “We are delighted to be launching this new project for residents of North Tyneside so they can create their own personal tributes for themselves, family members and friends.
“The thing we really want people to understand is that this is for ANYONE who is serving, has served or even passed away and we can offer a free Certificate of Authenticity on request for individuals & families to print and keep at home.
“North Tyneside has a proud military and marine tradition and we want the community to engage with this project to create the Lasting Tribute To Proud Service. All surpluses generated will be returned to appropriate causes within the North Tyneside Armed Forces/Merchant Navy community”
For further information about support for the Armed Forces community in North Tyneside visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk/armedforces
