Naming road after Rochford soldier would keep his memory alive, dad says

8:00am Thursday 28th February 2013 in Local News By David Trayner

Barry and Helen Lewis, whose son Aaron Lewis was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 Barry and Helen Lewis, whose son Aaron Lewis was killed in Afghanistan in 2008

THE father of a Rochford soldier killed in action in Afghanistan has welcomed a call for the country’s heroes to have roads named after them.

Aaron Lewis was fatally wounded serving his country in Helmand Province in December 2008.

His father Barry Lewis, 63, says naming a road after him would recognise his sacrifice and keep his memory alive.

He spoke after a Labour shadow minister called for councils to re-name streets in honour of fallen servicemen and women.

Mr Lewis said: “It’s a good idea. Anything to keep the memory of these people alive is a lovely thing.

“I’d be very grateful. It’s a really, really nice gesture. My wife would be really pleased.

“It puts importance on his life. We know he tried to make a difference and it’s nice that it’s recognised.

“He gave his life to try to make a difference. It would mean an awful lot.”

The Government supports a suggestion from Shadow Defence Secretary, Labour MP Jim Murphy that local authorities rename streets in honour of war heroes killed in the line of duty.

Developers suggest names for new roads in Rochford district, but Rochford District Council has said it may suggest they use the names of servicemen killed in action.

Terry Cutmore, the Leader of Rochford District Council, said: “Although street naming in the district is led by developers, councillors can make suggestions.

“In this instance, if the family are happy for us to do so, then we would definitely suggest to developers that this is something they may want to consider.”

Comments (7)

10:09am Thu 28 Feb 13

seasider1965 says...

Good idea and will leave a lasting memory of not only the soldier but the conflict as well which can get forgotten all too quickly these days.
Good idea and will leave a lasting memory of not only the soldier but the conflict as well which can get forgotten all too quickly these days. seasider1965

10:47am Thu 28 Feb 13

GentleGiant says...

Very sorry for their loss, but he has not really done anything for the town or county. Has he?

Why not name the roads after people that had no choice but to go to war to give us our freedom that we enjoy today, in the first and second world wars.

I do not believe that people who fight in the army today are heroes. Sadly that is as a result of American propaganda, which has been taken up in this country.

They are professionals who are well paid and want a pretty easy life. There is a risk to the job, but then the police, nurses, fire service, lifeboat men, search and rescue do more for us than any modern soldier would and are they recognised as heroes? Of course not and why not?

As I say, the loss to the family must be great and his death has created a lot of pain - but I do not think it is right to name a road after someone who has died at work unless they gave service to the local community.
Very sorry for their loss, but he has not really done anything for the town or county. Has he? Why not name the roads after people that had no choice but to go to war to give us our freedom that we enjoy today, in the first and second world wars. I do not believe that people who fight in the army today are heroes. Sadly that is as a result of American propaganda, which has been taken up in this country. They are professionals who are well paid and want a pretty easy life. There is a risk to the job, but then the police, nurses, fire service, lifeboat men, search and rescue do more for us than any modern soldier would and are they recognised as heroes? Of course not and why not? As I say, the loss to the family must be great and his death has created a lot of pain - but I do not think it is right to name a road after someone who has died at work unless they gave service to the local community. GentleGiant

10:55am Thu 28 Feb 13

Shoebury_Cyclist says...

I'm in two minds about this. On one hand those who die in service to their country should be remembered, on the other hand do we want to turn the entire country into a mausoleum to war?

We have war memorials in every town. Why not add their names to those?
I'm in two minds about this. On one hand those who die in service to their country should be remembered, on the other hand do we want to turn the entire country into a mausoleum to war? We have war memorials in every town. Why not add their names to those? Shoebury_Cyclist

12:34pm Thu 28 Feb 13

marshman says...

GentleGiant wrote:
Very sorry for their loss, but he has not really done anything for the town or county. Has he? Why not name the roads after people that had no choice but to go to war to give us our freedom that we enjoy today, in the first and second world wars. I do not believe that people who fight in the army today are heroes. Sadly that is as a result of American propaganda, which has been taken up in this country. They are professionals who are well paid and want a pretty easy life. There is a risk to the job, but then the police, nurses, fire service, lifeboat men, search and rescue do more for us than any modern soldier would and are they recognised as heroes? Of course not and why not? As I say, the loss to the family must be great and his death has created a lot of pain - but I do not think it is right to name a road after someone who has died at work unless they gave service to the local community.
Well, I'd say he's given his life for country. How would you describe it?

Tell you what mate, do a couple of months sleeping in a tent in an Afghan sweathole living in constant fear that your next sip of water could be your last and then tell me that the lads and lasses doing it on a daily basis aren't heroes. They don't choose to be there and it's their sense of service and duty to the crown that keeps them there while you sit at your keyboard pontificating.

You should be ashamed of your comment.
[quote][p][bold]GentleGiant[/bold] wrote: Very sorry for their loss, but he has not really done anything for the town or county. Has he? Why not name the roads after people that had no choice but to go to war to give us our freedom that we enjoy today, in the first and second world wars. I do not believe that people who fight in the army today are heroes. Sadly that is as a result of American propaganda, which has been taken up in this country. They are professionals who are well paid and want a pretty easy life. There is a risk to the job, but then the police, nurses, fire service, lifeboat men, search and rescue do more for us than any modern soldier would and are they recognised as heroes? Of course not and why not? As I say, the loss to the family must be great and his death has created a lot of pain - but I do not think it is right to name a road after someone who has died at work unless they gave service to the local community.[/p][/quote]Well, I'd say he's given his life for country. How would you describe it? Tell you what mate, do a couple of months sleeping in a tent in an Afghan sweathole living in constant fear that your next sip of water could be your last and then tell me that the lads and lasses doing it on a daily basis aren't heroes. They don't choose to be there and it's their sense of service and duty to the crown that keeps them there while you sit at your keyboard pontificating. You should be ashamed of your comment. marshman

1:13pm Thu 28 Feb 13

Carnabackable says...

GentleGiant wrote:
Very sorry for their loss, but he has not really done anything for the town or county. Has he?

Why not name the roads after people that had no choice but to go to war to give us our freedom that we enjoy today, in the first and second world wars.

I do not believe that people who fight in the army today are heroes. Sadly that is as a result of American propaganda, which has been taken up in this country.

They are professionals who are well paid and want a pretty easy life. There is a risk to the job, but then the police, nurses, fire service, lifeboat men, search and rescue do more for us than any modern soldier would and are they recognised as heroes? Of course not and why not?

As I say, the loss to the family must be great and his death has created a lot of pain - but I do not think it is right to name a road after someone who has died at work unless they gave service to the local community.
It's insulting comments, like yours, which most people, even in dis-agreement to the nature of the war on terror, will find totally unacceptable.
In my own opinion, I'd have you leading a foot patrol, in 50 degree centregrade heat, carrying 50 IB of kit, with the enemy and IED's for you to be wary of.
Hope that armchair is comfy for you.
Please name a road after one of our brave heroes, let us never forget, those who made the ultimate sacfrifice, so that we may enjoy our freedom.
[quote][p][bold]GentleGiant[/bold] wrote: Very sorry for their loss, but he has not really done anything for the town or county. Has he? Why not name the roads after people that had no choice but to go to war to give us our freedom that we enjoy today, in the first and second world wars. I do not believe that people who fight in the army today are heroes. Sadly that is as a result of American propaganda, which has been taken up in this country. They are professionals who are well paid and want a pretty easy life. There is a risk to the job, but then the police, nurses, fire service, lifeboat men, search and rescue do more for us than any modern soldier would and are they recognised as heroes? Of course not and why not? As I say, the loss to the family must be great and his death has created a lot of pain - but I do not think it is right to name a road after someone who has died at work unless they gave service to the local community.[/p][/quote]It's insulting comments, like yours, which most people, even in dis-agreement to the nature of the war on terror, will find totally unacceptable. In my own opinion, I'd have you leading a foot patrol, in 50 degree centregrade heat, carrying 50 IB of kit, with the enemy and IED's for you to be wary of. Hope that armchair is comfy for you. Please name a road after one of our brave heroes, let us never forget, those who made the ultimate sacfrifice, so that we may enjoy our freedom. Carnabackable

1:43pm Thu 28 Feb 13

DogsMessInLeigh says...

Hoping it goes through.
good luck with it Mr and Mrs Lewis.

and GentleGiant...Died at work..? you make it sound like he fell off the ladder whilst painting a wall.
Hoping it goes through. good luck with it Mr and Mrs Lewis. and GentleGiant...Died at work..? you make it sound like he fell off the ladder whilst painting a wall. DogsMessInLeigh

2:05pm Thu 28 Feb 13

Bosniavet says...

I think it's a good idea, maybe a small plaque explaining who the road is namd after would be useful too.
As regards placing names on War Memorials, there has been a lot of controversary over this, as many councils have refused to place the names of the fallen of any post 1945 conflict on them.
I think it's a good idea, maybe a small plaque explaining who the road is namd after would be useful too. As regards placing names on War Memorials, there has been a lot of controversary over this, as many councils have refused to place the names of the fallen of any post 1945 conflict on them. Bosniavet

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree