Posted June 25th, 2018

On Monday the 25th June, 7 children from Reid Street Primary School took part in a big event called Armed Forces Day because their parents had links to the army or the forces.
First we got ready and walked to the town centre so we could watch all the breath-taking events of Armed Forces Day. We got into pairs – Keira was the photographer and took lots of brilliant pictures. When we arrived at the Market Square we sat in the shade with the other schools because it was so hot!
Suddenly, five men marched smartly towards the middle of the Market Square and raised some colourful flags in the air. Zooming past our heads, a green jet rapidly flew past; Keira managed to get a photo of the plane. “Hello everybody,” announced the Mayor, she gave a two minute speech, we all listened carefully, then the Mayor inspected the parade as the soldiers saluted and shouted.
“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM,” we all exclaimed after the Chairman gave a few words. The bugler played the Last Post and we had a minute of silence. Everyone was silent. The flag rose, everyone cheered and we waved our flags.
Major Coatsworth, dressed in a spruce suit, told us an interesting story about a courageous soldier from Darlington, George Bradford, which we all enjoyed. Reverend Mathew Firth prayed for George and the soldiers who died.
A red blanket was covering a part of the Market Square. The Mayor slowly pulled it back to reveal a commemorative stone to celebrate George Bradford. Red poppies were placed around the stone to show respect. Then the Town Crier (who we thought looked like a pirate) requested three cheers. We all waved our flags and shouted, “HIP, HIP, HOORAY!” We all looked around the stalls and had a turn of sitting inside a police car; also we went in an army vehicle too.
Then we headed into St Cuthbert’s church hall to get a drink of juice and some delicious biscuits. We walked back to school in the boiling hot weather and we told everyone about Armed Forces Day.