8:50am Monday 13th October 2008
By James Wallin
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.”
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