Armed forces say thank you to Wootton Bassett (From Swindon Advertiser)

Armed forces say thank you to Wootton Bassett

8:50am Monday 13th October 2008 in

By James Wallin »

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THE people of Wootton Bassett are only too familiar with lining the streets to pay their respects to fallen servicemen.

But this weekend was a chance for the armed forces to give a reciprocal tribute to a community that has never wavered in its support.

The Wootton Bassett Appreciation Parade provided the platform for representatives of the RAF, Army and Royal Navy to thank the people of Wootton Bassett for their dignified behaviour during the dozens of repatriations through the town.

The thousands of smiling faces that lined the High Street were entertained by marching bands, speeches by local dignitaries and flyovers by a Hercules C130 and a Globemaster C17.

Air Chief Marshall Sir Clive Loader presented a parchment scroll to the town’s mayor Mike Leighfield which expressed the “heartfelt gratitude and appreciation” of the armed forces for the people of Wootton Bassett.

Group Captain Neville, station commander at RAF Lyneham, read a message from Princess Anne praising the town’s people.

Speaking after the ceremony, the mayor said he was immensely proud of his community.

He said: “This parade is a wonderful gesture by the armed forces and further cements our very close relationship with them.

“This is a day not just for the people of Wootton Bassett but all across Wiltshire to be proud of how we support the military.

“Hopefully, we can serve as an example to the rest of the country.

“It’s good to see that this has touched people around the country. I spoke to one man who heard about this on the radio and raced over from Bristol. I hope the people of Wootton Bassett feel very proud today, as I know I do.”

John Hutton, the secretary of state for defence, said he felt privileged to have been invited to the ceremony.

He said: “This is my first visit to Wootton Bassett and it’s a wonderful occasion to do so. I think the scenes we have seen today show the respect with which the British people view the armed forces.”

North Wiltshire MP James Gray said it was right that the people of the town were recognised for their dedication.

He said: “The streets have been full come rain or shine for the repatriations and today we have a lovely sunny day and a fantastic ceremony to say thank you to Wootton Bassett for that strong display of friendship.”

Comments(12)

Bobfm says...
9:25am Mon 13 Oct 08

Let me say at the outset this was a magnificent display of patriotism which hopefully will be repeated elsewhere.

However what disgusted me was the BBC coverage. They made repeated visits to the town, interviewing people and the 'theme' seemed to be to get those interviewed to say the public weren't supportive, as with the studio interviews.

The worst thing however, is that the fly past was delayed according to the reporter to fit in with the BBC. So we saw the fly past, and I fully expected them to stay and cover the parade, but they didn't, there then followed numerous repeat interviews about the credit crunch, and no disrespect to our American friends, an interview with an American Serviceman, serving in Afganistan.

The BBC yet again show that they are far from a supportive National broadcaster. Well done to Wootten Bassett, at least showing the British people support out troup's even though we may not agree with the various conflicts, something the BBC clearly don't understand.