CHRIS Gleed writes a carefully thought out letter (SA, July 14) but the suggestion that people use the repatriation ceremony to demonstrate any opposition to the Afghan conflict is misplaced, misguided and just plain wrong.

The repatriation ceremony enacted in the High Street is the coming together of many people from many walks of life who wish to simply, and in the typically understated British way, acknowledge the loss of yet another life in a conflict in a far away land. It is unique in that it is not an organised event under the control of the civic or military authorities.

Having been privileged to attend 16 of the repatriations I am always moved by the conduct of all who participate - no one seeks any position of pre-eminence with the mayor and senior military officers taking their place amongst the civilians and veterans. Serving personnel banter with those lining the streets until that moment when the church bell tolls and the first of the police escort motorcycles comes into view. At that precise moment the town falls silent, children are gently hushed until all you can hear is the fevered clicking of the media cameras.

Legion and regimental standards are lowered - a single command of ‘up’ and serving personnel come smartly to attention and salute - the procession lingers for that ‘long’ moment and you can see the tears in the eyes of the people who have no direct relationship to those ‘coming home’ but what they do have is a stronger affinity than you can imagine - it is that the body returned is ‘one of us’. A second command of ‘up’ is given, flags and standards are raised and salutes dropped. You can palpably feel the sense of sorrow and pride as the cortege moves along the High Street to complete its long journey to Oxford. There is no place for protest for this is an act of compassion, a reverential moment in which many can acknowledge the supreme sacrifice made by these young men and women.

Chris may truly believe the presence of British troops in Afghanistan is wrong - in that he will not be alone, but the place for protest and placards is not in the High Street of Wootton Bassett. To change the intimate character of the repatriation would be demeaning to the memory of those who pass through the town not knowing that so many salute them as they continue their final journey.

DES MORGAN Caraway Drive Swindon