Line the streets for homecoming parade
Soldiers are to march through the centre of Lincoln after risking their lives abroad during six-month tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The men and women, many of whom are from Lincolnshire, have put in 24-hour-a-day service – and now the Echo is asking readers to give just one hour of their time to honour them.
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Poachers in Basra.
Readers are being asked to pledge their time and turn up in Lincoln's City Square on March 12 to show they support our servicemen.
The 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment – better known as the Poachers – returned at the end of last year from their second six-month tour of Iraq in two years.
An estimated 200 soldiers from the regiment are set to parade through Lincoln, accompanied by The Minden military band.
The Battalion, which is based in Celle, Germany, recruits heavily from across Lincolnshire.
Commanding Officer of the Poachers, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Browne, said: "We are proud of what we have achieved in Basra.
"We hope the people of Lincolnshire in general and Lincoln in particular, will take to the streets on March 12 to show their support for The Poachers.
"Our soldiers have sacrificed much in that war-torn country and deserve to be recognised by their local community for doing a difficult and dangerous job, thoroughly professionally, on behalf of the country."
The parade will start at 12.15pm at Waterside South, near City Square. Soldiers will march through City Square and along the High Street to the Cenotaph where the Mayor of Lincoln will inspect the parade.
They will then continue through the Stonebow and the Strait to Hungate, before being dismissed.
The Echo's campaign aims to get hundreds of people on the street to support the troops. A roll of honour for everyone who pledges their time will be posted on the Echo website. To register your support for the day, contact cerri.delaney@lincolnshireecho.co.uk
For the full story see Tuesday's Lincolnshire Echo.
18 Comments
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by Sarah, Essex
Thursday, March 05 2009, 4:16PM
“I am disgusted with some of the comments I have read! My boyfriend is one of Lincolnshire¿s Poachers and I am so proud of him and everyone else in his regiment. They have worked night and day, putting their lives at risk, away from family and loved ones to play their part in helping a war-torn country get back on its feet. The people of Lincolnshire should show their support and be very proud of what these men and women have achieved.
To the negative people out there ¿ WAKE UP! Make an effort to support these brave young men and women because they have gone through what you could never imagine. It doesn¿t take a lot to show your support, just turn up on March 12th, even if it¿s just for 5 minutes. If I could be there I would because I know how families and friends feel, when loved ones are away, not knowing when you¿re going to speak to them next. Just try to imagine how you would feel not speaking to a close friend or relative for weeks or months at a time!
So in closing, Lads and Lass¿s, if your not going to support your own men then I send my full support from Essex! A little bit of support goes a long way! Just remember that!!!”
by aaron, Lincoln
Wednesday, February 25 2009, 11:22PM
“well done to all I served in Northern Island and that wasnt a patch on what these boys have been through They deserve the support they have earned it”
by bill, lincoln
Wednesday, February 18 2009, 12:49PM
“Sometimes the comments people make cause me to wonder what century they're living in.
Isn't it about time you lot realised that the armed forces are trained to kill people on behalf of whatever government is in power at the time.
If you want to support that, fine, but just remember that violence begets violence.
Just because someone can hit harder doesn't make them a better person.”
by gc, Lincoln
Wednesday, February 18 2009, 12:38PM
“Yeah it sounds great, line the streets for the troops to march through after their return from a war zone but believe me it will annoy most of the troops on parade, yet another parade set up by the Army Seniors and Local Major etc. Soldiers don't really want to do this sort of parade, they want to get back home and be with their families. I know this because I left the Army 3 years ago after serving 29 years, I've been there, done that and have the T-Shirts and believe me having a blooming parade after returning was so far at the back of my thoughts.
The guys will do the parade because they are ordered to, people will clap and cheer and everyone will go home as if it never happened, the only things achieved is another day out of the soldiers schedule.
I'm sure some poor local soldier will be interviewed but he definetly will not be able to say what he really thinks because he will already be briefed on what to say and what not to say.
I know what's going through your minds lads.”
by ELLEN, lincoln
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 8:59PM
“To
Bill Door,No you didn't ask them to join up,but as least there trying to make a life for themselves by having a real mans job,you probably don't know what one is...a job or how to be a real man.”
by Michelle, Lincoln
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 7:41PM
“Again further to my comments, if I can't make it becoz of work committments (but hopefully businessess and school etc will close for this special and proud moment) then I will be thinking of how lucky we all are and wish I could be there to wave and cheer and show my apprecation to these brave people. I'm really hoping though that I can attend, fingers crossed.”
by MJA, ...the real world...
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 7:25PM
“Proud Army Wife,
I fully agree with you..Maybe the difference is Colchester has a garrison and a very long history that goes with it,,,,Lincoln has a Uni full of soap dodgers who have been brought up by namby pamby "right on" teachers....”
by Proud Army Wife, Colchester / Imp at heart!!!
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 7:18PM
“GRAB A FLAG AND WAVE THEM HOME!!! My husband joined up for a career, its even better he actually makes a difference to the world. I could not have been prouder when he stepped off the plane from Afghan last year. All these anti people, remember - they go so you don't have to!!!!!! To the moaners, you should all be ashamed of yourselves, the people of Colchester did themselves proud when they bothered to turn up in their drones to welcome our lads home!!!!!!”
by Bill Door, Lincoln
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 6:53PM
“I don't need to support the troops.
I didn't ask them to go, in fact I didn't ask them to join up.
Although I *was* asked to pay their wages. I think I've done enough supporting, thanks.”
by MJA, ,,the real world
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 5:42PM
“M C Donald..
Why did you bother typing past the first sentence?? It said it all...
Bored?? Waiting for the kettle??
You said nothing to help the cause of your kind..It`s all been said..I can see people who maybe thought those thoughts grabbing their heads, in shame..
If you want to put similar views over in future, at least get someone, of a little more intelligence, to type for you...Then put your name to it....”