Old soldiers parade through town
Monday 8th June 2009, 2:42PM BST.
Former servicemen march to the dedication ceremony in Oswestry
Former soldiers travelled from across the globe to parade through Oswestry and unveil a memorial to their comrades yesterday.
Infantrymen from dozens of regiments of the British Army travelled to Shropshire – some coming from other parts of the UK and others travelling from as far afield as Australia and the USA.
They braved torrential rain to march proudly through the streets of the town where they began their military careers.
Members of the Infantry Boys and Junior Leaders Battalion Association were remembering their time at the nearby Park Hall Army Camp.
The training battalion, where young soldiers underwent specialist leadership training, was based at Oswestry from 1960 until the mid 1970s.
Former mayor, Councillor Gareth Jones, deputised for Oswestry’s mayor to perform the civic duties at the parade and dedicate the memorial in Cae Glas Park.
He said he had spoken to former infantrymen and “they were so proud to be back here and said it had been the place that had made them the men they are today”.
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It is nice to see so many old soldiers still alive, and willing to take time out to honour the memory of their fallen comrades.
I would like you to know that you have my thanks for all that you endured, and achieved, so that we today, can have the freedom to live our lives the way we wish.
I am sure with the vote for 2 BNP euro MPs, they must be wondering in this day and age exactly what they gave up 6 years of their life for.
Its a shame, but I believe that someone once said, “I may not agree with what you say, butI will fight for the right for you to say it”
Pat J.
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