We went along to meet some of those paying their respects to the fallen.

THEY shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

This passage, read out every year on Remembrance Sunday, reminds us all of the debt of gratitude we owe to those who gave their lives to protect this country.

The Great War, the Second World War, the Falkland Islands campaign; those bloody conflicts of the last century are all remembered.

But, as the news reminds us every day, it's no longer just about the past any more.

With fatalities continuing to rise in Iraq and Afghanistan, this year's Remembrance Day was as much about the heroes of now as yesteryear.

As the bells of St Bede's Catholic Church in South Shields tolled, the proceedings started at 10.30am at the Town Hall with a parade by, among others, the Territorial Army (TA) and the Normandy Veterans' Association, followed by various youth groups, including the Sea Cadet Corps and Scouts.

In their wake followed various dignitaries, councillors, veterans and representatives from the region's military and non-military organisations.

With the rain having abated, hundreds of spectators who had turned out then joined the procession in walking up to the final gathering place at the Westoe Road Cenotaph.

After hymns and prayers, an impeccable two-minutes' silence was observed before a bugler sounded The Last Post.

Then, to the strains of Amazing Grace, played by the South Tyneside Pipes and Drums, the first wreath was laid on the cenotaph by guest of honour Colonel Ann Clouston, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.

She said: "Just look around. Look at the numbers of people who have been attending services all over the country.

"The numbers are going up rather than down, and, of course, that's because we have lost so many people recently.

"It's a huge reminder that we do need to remember our troops, not just from the First and Second World wars, but those who have died since."

Eddie Ferguson, the pipe major of the South Tyneside Pipes and Drums, said: "I haven't missed one for years. You have to do your little bit to show your support."

The parade marshal for the day was Sergeant Major Nigel Hogg, of the South Shields-based TA Royal Artillery 205 Battery, who said: "It was great to see such a good turnout.

"The forces have got a lot more support nowadays, which I'm sure they appreciate."

Speaking from his own experiences in the first Iraq war in 1991, the 40-year-old from Wallsend, added: "They have a tough job in Iraq and Afghanistan and need public support

"It's a lot tougher for our lads now. They are under fire every day."

Paul Kennedy, priest in charge of St Michael's C of E on Westoe Road, who led the service at the cenotaph alongside Father Michael Weymes of St Bede's, said: "Young lives are being lost at the present time, some from our own community."

The former Army chaplain, who himself served in Bosnia in 1997, continued: "We are thinking of them today and those serving in difficult parts of the world."

An older veteran who has seen many of these days was Robert Douglas, 84, from Hebburn.

Formerly in the 15th Scottish Division, 6th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (now the Royal Highland Fusiliers), he was a jeep driver in Normandy after the D-Day landings of June 1944.

The dad of two, grandfather of four and great granddad of 13, said: "I feel both proud and sad on these days. You start to remember what happened in the past; how many of your comrades were killed."

As for the welcome he and the others veterans received from those lining the road and at the cenotaph, he said: "The people of South Tyneside are very supportive of the forces. They cheer us on, which is very pleasing."

With him was his granddaughter Suzanna Sherwin, 37, from South Shields, who said. "I'm so proud of him today and every time he puts on the uniform."

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun John Anglin echoed the sentiments of Mr Douglas.

"Here in South Tyneside there has always been a great wish to support our armed forces.

"What we have done over the last two years is make our contacts with the Army and our TA, who do a fantastic job.

"We fly their flag every day from the Town Hall. That's an expression for them to know how much the people and council of South Tyneside are behind them.

"They are out there for our safety and we are grateful to them."

Lest we forget. If yesterday's turnout at the services in South Shields, Jarrow, Whitburn and East Boldon, is anything to by, the people of South Tyneside never will.