Cheers as town honours troops

Ncola Dowling

March 16, 2009

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HUNDREDS of people clapped and cheered as soldiers who served in Iraq paraded through the streets of Bolton.

The 150 soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment marched from the town's barracks to Bolton town hall to accept the freedom of the borough.

The mayor said the honour had been granted to 'recognise the bravery of our troops serving overseas'.

Hundreds gathered in Victoria Square on Saturday to support the troops - unlike at a recent homecoming parade in Luton, when anti-war protesters booed and abused soldiers.

Driver Tommy Hall, 58, from Stoneclough near Radcliffe, who made a special trip to Bolton to show his support, said: "We may not all agree with the Iraq war but these lads are going out there putting their lives on the line for us and a lot of other people. We welcome and support them."

Event co-ordinator Major Garry Pinchen said: "This is the highest honour of respect that could be granted to a regiment and we are extremely proud to receive it.

"It was a very memorable and historic day and we are grateful for the continued support of the citizens of Bolton.

"Like all north west towns and cities, Bolton continues to be a strong recruiting area for the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment."

The soldiers, accompanied by a military brass band, paraded through the town before a service of remembrance in the square - watched by hundreds of well-wishers

The soldiers then went to a celebratory lunch with the mayor and then went to watch Bolton Wanderers take on Fulham at the Reebok Stadium.

Some of the soldiers took to the pitch at half time to take part in a special race over an obstacle course.

Lord Mayor Anthony Connell said: "This honour reinforces the honour granted to the 5th battalion the Loyal Regiment in 1964. It recognises the bravery of our troops serving overseas and strengthens the military's links with the town."

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dessie, manchester (16/03/2009 at 08:44)

the one thing that makes you proud to be british, (and theres not much these days to be proud of!!) is our troops,

Guten Tag, Deutschland,, Manchester (16/03/2009 at 09:33)

Well done lads. All hero's.

Bean B4, manchester (16/03/2009 at 11:52)

Well done. Thank goodness Northerners know how to welcome home heroes.

Laura Norder, Didsbury (16/03/2009 at 11:53)

That's the way to do it!

And maybe, in future, the MEN could provide advance details for when troops from our region are due to be welcomed home?

deejayvu, everywhere (16/03/2009 at 13:16)

Laura Norder, Didsbury
16/03/2009 at 11:53

my thoughts exactly...

Jay B, oldham (16/03/2009 at 14:51)

ah but that might have also highlighted the occasion to the anti-war protesters who are only really trying to stir up trouble!

well done lads! you've done our country proud!

Voter (16/03/2009 at 15:01)

I am aware of no publicity about this: my wife and I would have gone as would thousands of others but well done all concerned. We know the quality of Bolton compared with Luton. We are proud of our troops.

Laura Norder, Didsbury (16/03/2009 at 15:38)

" ah but that might have also highlighted the occasion to the anti-war protesters who are only really trying to stir up trouble!" - Jay B, oldham

I don't believe we should kow-tow to those who believe our excellent armed forces do anything less than an honourable, first-class job. The protestors are fortunate to live in a society where they can exercise such freedom of demonstration; something denied to many, many millions of people around the world. And something worth fighting for.

Our military are entitled to a well-attended, 'welcome home' parade... even just to recognise the sacrifices made by comrades who have fallen, or are terribly wounded.

Come on MEN, feed us the news and information we require to ensure our personnel know the overwhelming majority of British - and many grateful other - people, appreciate them.

irvtheswerv (16/03/2009 at 15:58)

I was there, it was not hundreds more like thousands. Very moving it was everyone started to cheer when they marched into Victoria square, made me proud to be British.

Angie33 , Manchester (16/03/2009 at 16:05)

Id feel prouder if they came home in a sombre mood remembering all who have died in this war British and otherwise.

alvinlwh (16/03/2009 at 16:13)

Well done boys for making it back in one piece.

Bean B4, manchester (16/03/2009 at 16:21)

Laura Norder, Didsbury: I agree with you, unusually, but (and I'm only playing devil's advocate) don't you think that a big, organised welcome home affair could have been so easily hijacked by the far right?

Laura Norder, Didsbury (16/03/2009 at 16:47)

"Laura Norder, Didsbury: I agree with you, unusually, but (and I'm only playing devil's advocate) don't you think that a big, organised welcome home affair could have been so easily hijacked by the far right? -
Bean B4, manchester

I'm sure there could be an element of the 'Right' who would, to further their own agenda, try and claim any celebrations as their own... but the majority of people - who I believe would attend for the right (sic) - reasons, would easily outnumber them.

We have a long and glorious history here in the UK, of 'keeping the head', and the proper perspective, when it comes to allowing others freedom of expression - and I'd hate us to lose that because of the potential actions of a few hot-heads of whatever political or religious persuasion.

ShrinkWrapped blue., Location. Couch. (16/03/2009 at 16:52)

I would like to see a big homecoming with a big band with loads of bagpipes.

Justified True Belief , - ... (16/03/2009 at 16:56)

Correct Laura Norder, I also don’t believe we should kow-tow to the feckless, the friendless or the fool hardy, who try and use (pervert) these events for their own ends. But in the interests of freedom of speech, the police should clarify the situation. Anyone wishing to use their freedom of speech and protest against the armed forces parades, should in the interest of "public safety" be obliged to be at least 10 miles (or an agreed distance) from the parade. The police take these sorts of decisions all the time. They should use the powers they have already.

Bigkecks (16/03/2009 at 18:20)

All the people that booed the guys in Luton should have been rounded up and had there fingers trapped in doors in my opinion

Scum

red one (17/03/2009 at 00:22)

Well done Bolton for showing the soldiers your appreciation and giving them a warm welcome home.

lizard (17/03/2009 at 17:19)

Laura Norder, Didsbury Well said.

waywardweastie (17/03/2009 at 18:23)

Lizard, hurry-up,men in uniform.....Oh Joy!!!!!

waywardweastie (17/03/2009 at 21:52)

C'Mon Lizard! you know you want to! Let's welcome the lads back home the way we used to.
Put your glad rags on, put your teeth in and take your curlers out and lets get going before all the fit ones are gone.
Ah remember the good old days Lizard?

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