REMEMBRANCE THANKS TO ALL

MAY I first of all congratulate the organisers of the 100th anniversary of the Great War at Rawtenstall led by LT Col Pickup late of the 4th Btl Queens Lancashire Regt (retd) who I am led to believe organises with other civil and military organisations the raising of money and locations for this great and sombre event with out any financial help from the council.

We must congratulate all the children and veterans, emergency services who attended.

Sadly at the end of the parade led by I believe a retired officer of the Gloucester Regt (Glorious) a member of the council decided to make an impromptu speech.

Sadly this speaker negated to thank nor mention the Great War and its sacrifice nor the veterans on parade.

People and veterans took a lot of time preparing themselves for this parade of remembrance, not even mentioning them was an insult to them and the sacrifice of millions who have gone before us.

They died so that people could live in a democratic nation.

Not to mention them was at best disingenuous and worse a total lack of respect, as for the councillor having the affront to dismiss what was in effect a military parade was in my view as an former serviceman insulting to the parade commander and parade.

As one veteran turned to me and said looking down at is service medals “so what were we here for then?”

The service was about remembering our forbears who left these shores to defend us and our liberty.

Politicians of all ilk’s should remember this. Tony Justice Former King’s Own Royal Border Regt Loveclough