Homecoming parade wins families' support
The families of soldiers serving with a Lincolnshire regiment are calling for people to show their support for a homecoming parade.
An estimated 250 men and women from the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment – better known as the Poachers – will be taking to the streets of their county's capital for the parade next week.
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Private Stuart Grantham who is with the Poachers
Now proud mum Melanie Rawdon (48), of Horncastle – who has three sons in the Poachers that were all deployed to Iraq at the same time last year – is calling for people to support her families' regiment.
"I don't think that people see enough of people in the armed forces doing their jobs and working as a unit," said Mrs Rawdon, who has two other children still at home.
"For the public to see the battalion in their uniform will make what they do more real to people that perhaps don't have a family member of
"I'm so proud of what they have achieved and it would be a huge boost to see lots of people out there on the day.
"I'll be trying to drum up as much support with my friends and family as possible."
The Echo launched a campaign to get hundreds of Lincolnshire people to line the streets in support of the soldiers last month.
The goal is to match the turnout for the Poachers last parade in Norwich, which saw 4,000 people line the streets.
The parade will take place at 12.15pm on Thursday, March 12, from the City Square in Lincoln through to Hungate.
For more on the soldiers' families, see Tuesday's Echo.
5 Comments
by Superkaramba, Berlin, DE
Thursday, March 12 2009, 10:10AM
“I have informed knowledge this event will be protested by Islamic fundamentalists.
People please be aware of your own safety whilst you are at this parade, watch out for yourself, and people around you.
My salutations to the soldiers, and their families.”
by sue firth, lincoln
Monday, March 09 2009, 2:29PM
“I will be there to support the poachers with pride. My lovely son, Rob is one of them and I can"t wait to see him and all his colleagues. They are a fine example for this city. They have three other marchs in other cities this week and I hope people give them the support they have earned. Me and Rob"s step-dad will be there giving our support ( as always ). From a mum and step-dad bursting with pride, Sue Firth and John Firth”
by Steve, Waddington
Tuesday, March 03 2009, 10:23PM
“I will be there but I draw the attention of drivers to the notices currently displayed by the Spar on Clasketgate and at the Junction of Newland/Beaumont Fee.
Both notices warn of road closures on those roads between 12.15 and 13.15 on the day of the parade, and of possible delays.”
by h, lincoln
Tuesday, March 03 2009, 8:14PM
“I will be there next week when the Poachers march through as I was when the Grenadiers marched last year. What a proud moment to share with the Poachers and to thank them for all their efforts. I agree Victoria its a shame people dont support the troops as they risk their lives for the greater good. Im a proud supporter of our forces and help for heroes.”
by Victoria, Lincoln
Tuesday, March 03 2009, 5:00PM
“It is a shame people these days don't show as much support for our men and women who are out there now, as they did years back. Nothing has changed, they are still risking their lives. Seeing a big parade in support of them is great sight and should be a spectacular event, and one not to be missed.”