Updated: Thousands support Royal Anglian parade (From Echo)
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Updated: Thousands support Royal Anglian parade
12:30pm Thursday 17th June 2010 in
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PEOPLE turned out in their thousands to do the Royal Anglians proud on their homecoming parade in Southend today.
Cheering crowds, some with their faces painted with the St George cross, lined either side of the High Street as the Vikings marched from Victoria Square to Pier Hill.
As the parade halted at a specially erected stage to hear speeches from commanding officers and Southend Mayor Ann Holland, crowds, young and old, waited with mounting excitement further down the street behind steel barriers. Workers hung from windows above shops and a sea of flags waved the soldiers past. Even the sun put in a long-awaited appearance.
Chants of "We love our soldiers" threatened to drown out the military band leading the parade and the look of pride on soldier's faces as they passed by was evident for all to see.
A heavy police presence ensured the wonderful atmosphere was not marred by troublemakers. As they mingled with the crowd, many officers were enlisted as makeshift photographers to take pictures of groups in the milling crowd.
The mayor and Lt Col James Woodham, of the Royal Anglian Regiment, led the event.
Mrs Holland welcomed the troops to the town and thanked them and their families for the sacrifices they have made to fight overseas.
Mrs Holland also praised Southend Council for impeccable organisation of the event. She said: “There has been an awful lot of planning and there has been co-ordination of the roads, the pick ups, the wristbands for people.
“There has been an awful lot of work that has gone on.
“It is a tremendous honour. I knew it was coming when I was deputy Mayor I knew it was something we have been working towards. Officers have been working behind the scenes and this week it has just been the fine tuning.
“I can’t believe it is here already it seemed so far away and suddenly it is here.
“They deserve everybody’s support and thanks for what they are doing.”
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Comments(77)
marshman
says...
6:17pm Mon 14 Jun 10
Welcome home.
openspace
says...
6:22pm Mon 14 Jun 10
VictoriaLS wrote:I think you will find that they are currently based in Pirbright, Surrey, and in Celle, Germany. This will, apparently, change later this year with those currently in Germany, relocating to Cyprus. Although they are basically our " local " regiment, they do move around quite a lot, ( many have been serving in Afghanistan in the last year ). I hope there will be a very good turn-out to welcome and support them, we all have much to thank our armed services for over the years, ( even if sent on occasion by their political masters to controversial places that we would rather they avoid ).
Just curious but where are these troops based? Nearest base I can think of is Colchester?
torridpiper
says...
8:43pm Mon 14 Jun 10
They are welcome as far as I am concerned, I would not like to fight out there.
They have my respect.
They should have found another area to start.
In that area of Southend they will feel like they are back in Afghanistan.
Contrarymary
says...
9:03pm Mon 14 Jun 10
In the face of terrible adversity, tragedy and a formidable enemy, these men and women always do their best for Queen and . They deserve our respect and I hope as many people as possible join them on their march in Southend. It will be a very proud day.
Michael Vincent
says...
9:09pm Mon 14 Jun 10
fatedsnowfox
says...
9:29pm Mon 14 Jun 10
karateman1964
says...
7:43am Tue 15 Jun 10
OBL
says...
8:38am Tue 15 Jun 10
VictoriaLS
says...
10:21am Tue 15 Jun 10
I am a totally posessive mother and I really wouldn't ever let my boys join the armed forces - I would never sleep again if they did - so I have utter respect for the families of these men and ladies too.
I won't be able to make it as i have to pick my young boy up from school - but I hope they get the welcome they deserve - have a lovely day everyone.
bob7
says...
10:39am Tue 15 Jun 10
I am lucky enough to be going to a medal parade for RAF lads that have come back from Afghanistan.
Welcome home lads and lasses.
Gemini3665
says...
6:41pm Tue 15 Jun 10
ThorpeAgent
says...
7:27pm Tue 15 Jun 10
Gemini3665 wrote:I also will be there, and will be very proud to do so.
I will be there, looking forward to welcoming these brave soldiers home, I just hope there isn't any protests like there was in Barking today
The protests in Barking I hope will not happen on Thursday, we dont want anything to ruin such an occasion as this.
lombard
says...
11:33am Wed 16 Jun 10
bejesussaidpaddy
says...
1:29pm Wed 16 Jun 10
cathyw
says...
4:58pm Wed 16 Jun 10
and i hope the parade passes off with no problems.
ShoeburyCyclist
says...
6:17pm Wed 16 Jun 10
RichB
says...
6:24pm Wed 16 Jun 10
Welcome home chaps
ThorpeAgent
says...
7:07pm Wed 16 Jun 10
This will be a very special moment in this towns history and with the expected thousands of people its sure to be an emotional day and something that will mark our deepest respects to our boys.
I plan to be there proudly waving my flag.
Lets do it all for our troops!
Pierwalker
says...
7:53pm Wed 16 Jun 10
They really do deserve all the support we can give and I'm sure the people of Southend and surrounding areas won't let them down.
I'm really looking forward to it.
152
says...
8:38pm Wed 16 Jun 10
Donna Mortimer
says...
9:29pm Wed 16 Jun 10
I hope the asian community stay away and do not shout abuse about them being rapist and baby killers and murders like they did in barking.
I would like to say to all the Muslim extremist who protest against these brave men and women.
these soldiers that you abuse pay Taxes and in return pay towards the benifits you claim.. this money is NOT given to you by Allah as i have heard you shout its given by every man and women who work including the soldiers. think about that next time you claim your dole money...Also if you so upset by the fight in Iraq and Afghanistan go over there and stand with your brothers and sisters and good luck in being so vocal over there like you are here.
ThorpeAgent
says...
10:11pm Wed 16 Jun 10
SaveOurStanford
says...
10:12pm Wed 16 Jun 10
Our Soldiers are obeying the Past Goverment of Bush & Blair to try and help afgahn and iraqi peoples lifes and homes, They are doing good despite many british losses. PLEASE DONT HECKLE THEM!
Its does annoy me and i would welcome the TREASON charge to be brought back if any person threatened our armed services.
IF YOU WANT TO LIVE IN OUR COUNTRY AND ENJOY THE PEACE WE HAVE EARNED AND ENJOY GOOD, BUT IF YOU ARE JUST HERE FOR BENEFITS, NHS, HOUSES, OUR JOBS AND PUSHING YOUR HATRID RELEGIONS GO AWAY AND FIND ANOTHER COUNTRY . BYE BYE AND ONT COME BACK.....
Buffalo Bill
says...
10:36pm Wed 16 Jun 10
As for those who would seek to mock or insult these brave lads, they fight to give you the freedom to protest, the very freedoms you seek to hide behind.
Ironically this very freedom is one of those you would seek to remove should you ever get into power.
Should you be planning to disrupt this parade, then might I suggest you think again? There is a time and place to protest, tomorrow is not that time and Southend is not that place.
If you really feel that strongly, then get out to Afghanistan, join the Mujahadeen and I am sure that the brave lads of the British or American Armies will be only to happy to send you to that better place, where you will find your 7 virgins.
Well done the Vikings!
kathy
says...
10:40pm Wed 16 Jun 10
Totally agree with all you said
BMNO6
says...
10:41pm Wed 16 Jun 10
Bosniavet
says...
11:10pm Wed 16 Jun 10
If I wasn't in Southend tomorrow, I'd have been in Wootton Bassett for obvious reasons.
I sincerely hope that neither Muslim protestors or the EDL turn up, as I personally believe neither are welcome here. If there are any protestors, let's hope the overwhelming numbers of those cheering the Vikings on both drown them out & dissuade them from staying.
Does anyone know if the local schools are allowing their pupils to attend this event? I think it would be great to see local schoolchildren standing along the route, waving flags & cheering.
Oh, if anyone here manages to recognise me, feel free to come over & say helllo....
spectator
says...
11:20pm Wed 16 Jun 10
Last Poster
says...
11:23pm Wed 16 Jun 10
With the current right wing ravers in charge and keen to replace our skilled force with imported "skills" it is refreshing to find people speaking the words most true English people feel!
You have my vote!
Trainman
says...
11:30pm Wed 16 Jun 10
taxiboy
says...
11:44pm Wed 16 Jun 10
taxiboy
says...
11:47pm Wed 16 Jun 10
taxiboy
says...
12:03am Thu 17 Jun 10
SARFENDMAN
says...
6:59am Thu 17 Jun 10
ThorpeAgent
says...
9:28am Thu 17 Jun 10
buttonbaggins
says...
9:43am Thu 17 Jun 10
seasider2010
says...
10:09am Thu 17 Jun 10
Jose El Mezclador
says...
11:17am Thu 17 Jun 10
Mark D
says...
11:55am Thu 17 Jun 10
southendbill86
says...
1:15pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Colleen G
says...
1:35pm Thu 17 Jun 10
BASILBRUSH
says...
1:43pm Thu 17 Jun 10
r6keith
says...
2:16pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Donna Mortimer wrote:Donna. Please dont put all Asians into the same group , we have British Asians in our army and I welcome any creed to these welcome home parades as long as they come to give support were it is so deserved.
I hope the lads and lasses march with pride as all soldiers that walk the green in my eyes are true heroes. I hope the asian community stay away and do not shout abuse about them being rapist and baby killers and murders like they did in barking. I would like to say to all the Muslim extremist who protest against these brave men and women. these soldiers that you abuse pay Taxes and in return pay towards the benifits you claim.. this money is NOT given to you by Allah as i have heard you shout its given by every man and women who work including the soldiers. think about that next time you claim your dole money...Also if you so upset by the fight in Iraq and Afghanistan go over there and stand with your brothers and sisters and good luck in being so vocal over there like you are here.
Max Impact
says...
2:44pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Both the sun (in the sky) and The Sun newspaper were there the newspaper flags were everywhere, the paper takes a knocking but they are the paper that backs our forces more than any other paper.
Let’s hope there a nice big picture in the paper in the morning
Let’s make Southend proud let’s make Southend be seen as a town that embraces our armed forces and celebrates just what a great job they do protecting us and making the country the envy of the world.
seasider2010
says...
2:52pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Excellent turnout and show of support for the regiment.
Southend did itself proud today.
Max Impact
says...
3:18pm Thu 17 Jun 10
seasider2010 wrote:You can say that again Seasider,
Well said Max Impact. Excellent turnout and show of support for the regiment. Southend did itself proud today.
Southend can be rightly proud of what it done today, lets hope that other towns these boys visit can do the same and make let them know just how much we admire them.
snackatack2000
says...
3:22pm Thu 17 Jun 10
welcome home boys xxx
Sir Benfleet
says...
3:37pm Thu 17 Jun 10
margrete
says...
3:55pm Thu 17 Jun 10
We're not used to being on our feet for a long time and Barry is still on a crutch, but we managed to stand there fore about 1 1/2 hours. It was worth it. Everyone was of one mind - everyone, no dissenting or insulting voices, just as it should be!
When the band came by everyone was clapping in time. When the troops came past I had my St George's Flag in one hand and I was waving both arms and shouting 'Well Done' and 'Welcome Home'! The weather was kind, everyone was good-humoured - typically English - and it was a wonderful occasion. We finished off with an excellent lunch in Tomassi's - grilled plaice then meringue with raspberries. A lot of veterans there. wWe were standing next to a man who'd been in the Suez campaign 1956 - yes, I remember it well!
Who were the people who followed the parade, with a big St George's Flag and a banner saying 'God protect our troops for ever'?
Long live England, and God save our troops, every one of them.
LocalBoy
says...
3:55pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Fortunately some of the Asian soldiers she saw probably have not bothered to read this thread.
There are always the bigots on from every point of view who attempt to spoil things for the vast majority; as can be clearly seen by some of these posts!
Our soldiers marching today are the heros whatever their race, creed or religion.
margrete
says...
4:13pm Thu 17 Jun 10
I was meant to be meeting up with them in the Alex pub beforehand but I didn't get there - we just found one remaining parking space and dropped into it.
torridpiper
says...
4:49pm Thu 17 Jun 10
He looks like a real 'Southender' probably grew up in the Denton Avenue area, and probably an ex pupil of Fairfax.
One of the old 'Brigade' no doubt !!
ThorpeAgent
says...
4:56pm Thu 17 Jun 10
It was truly wonderful to see people from all ages, toddlers to exservicemen waving flags and cheering our troops on.
Southend stood out today and we in unison showed how grateful and proud we are of our Soldiers.
Happylass
says...
5:16pm Thu 17 Jun 10
The young solders on crutches and in wheelchairs - look after yourselves and take heart that you did make it back. There are many many people who do realise just how much you have given - we salute you.
Vikings - God Bless You All.
kathy
says...
5:22pm Thu 17 Jun 10
bejesussaidpaddy
says...
5:25pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Last Poster
says...
5:34pm Thu 17 Jun 10
But mostly thanks to those heroes who marched proudly there today. I am so proud of you lads and wish National Service would return so all our youngsters could be like you!
rosered
says...
5:53pm Thu 17 Jun 10
We are all very proud of you and your families, not forgetting those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Only sorry I was at work and unable to be there in person.
God bless you all
Isaac Hunt
says...
6:00pm Thu 17 Jun 10
LocalBoy
says...
6:24pm Thu 17 Jun 10
bejesussaidpaddy wrote:Good to hear that so many fair minded British people of whatever political persuasion where there to support the troops.
good turn out today well done the people of southend.Nice to see the BNP there with a big flag and well done to the EDL lads who turned out many of them traveling long distances just in case their help was needed
Shame that some political parties try to hijack this support for their own perverse purposes.
You don't have to be an extremist to be proud of being English or British!
margrete
says...
7:01pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Stop the UAF
says...
7:17pm Thu 17 Jun 10
LocalBoy wrote:What a fantastic parade, the turnout and the soldiers made us all feel very proud.
bejesussaidpaddy wrote: good turn out today well done the people of southend.Nice to see the BNP there with a big flag and well done to the EDL lads who turned out many of them traveling long distances just in case their help was neededGood to hear that so many fair minded British people of whatever political persuasion where there to support the troops. Shame that some political parties try to hijack this support for their own perverse purposes. You don't have to be an extremist to be proud of being English or British!
Localboy, many local BNP members were their but no one was seeking to hijack anything. Amongst them was a first Gulf War veteran. They were just welcoming home our brave lads, nothing political.
But it is noted that you were so 'proud' and 'local' that you did not even bother to attend.
Pierwalker
says...
7:57pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Well done Southend, you did a grand job.
Gemini3665
says...
8:33pm Thu 17 Jun 10
LocalBoy
says...
9:15pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Stop the UAF wrote:A classic post if I may say so full of irrelevancies.
LocalBoy wrote:What a fantastic parade, the turnout and the soldiers made us all feel very proud.
bejesussaidpaddy wrote: good turn out today well done the people of southend.Nice to see the BNP there with a big flag and well done to the EDL lads who turned out many of them traveling long distances just in case their help was neededGood to hear that so many fair minded British people of whatever political persuasion where there to support the troops. Shame that some political parties try to hijack this support for their own perverse purposes. You don't have to be an extremist to be proud of being English or British!
Localboy, many local BNP members were their but no one was seeking to hijack anything. Amongst them was a first Gulf War veteran. They were just welcoming home our brave lads, nothing political.
But it is noted that you were so 'proud' and 'local' that you did not even bother to attend.
Like many local people I work 50 miles away; my wife attended.
I don't see any Conservative, Liberal or Labour supporters commenting on their presence at this event.
I struggle to understand why anyone should choose to post that supporters of a political party were present at an event to celebrate the bravery of our soldiers?
The very fact that someone decided to praise the presence of the BNP in this thread has made it political. You have made it political by mentioning that a gulf war veteran also supports the BNP.
The BNP seek to associate themselves with and benefit from associating themselves with the bravery of our soldiers; it is wrong; they don't have any right to do that and I for one am going to say so.
I don't support extremists or fascists I do support our troops.
margrete
says...
9:36pm Thu 17 Jun 10
You don't support 'extremists'. Well, we have fallen over backwards in recent years to accommodate everyone else's views, customs etc and have put our own on the back burner. Where has it got us? Disgusting scenes like the heckling of our troops at Barking this week and at Luton. This was where the English Nationalist Alliance had its genesis.
I didn't meet the Gulf War veteran, but I was among a group of ex-servicemen from earlier wars, one of whom had served in the Suez campaign. Extreme? You should have heard their pungent comments on a number of different topics of present day relevance. You said extreme? It was enough to make your hair curl. One actually said 'What has happened to the country we fought for - we'd have been better off under Hitler'. It comes to something when an 80+ year old veteran says a thing like that. The one man who would NOT have been better off under Hitler was standing beside me taking pictures - he knows where he'd have been, because Hitler had plans for the like of him and his family, starting with a ghetto.
ThorpeAgent
says...
10:11pm Thu 17 Jun 10
margrete wrote:An exserviceman really said that? I am quite frankly astonished. And something I thought I would never hear.
You work 50 miles away. Most of the English Nationalist Alliance guys who were there today had travelled distances to get here, and some had taken the day off work. As pointed out earlier, they are not a political party. You don't support 'extremists'. Well, we have fallen over backwards in recent years to accommodate everyone else's views, customs etc and have put our own on the back burner. Where has it got us? Disgusting scenes like the heckling of our troops at Barking this week and at Luton. This was where the English Nationalist Alliance had its genesis. I didn't meet the Gulf War veteran, but I was among a group of ex-servicemen from earlier wars, one of whom had served in the Suez campaign. Extreme? You should have heard their pungent comments on a number of different topics of present day relevance. You said extreme? It was enough to make your hair curl. One actually said 'What has happened to the country we fought for - we'd have been better off under Hitler'. It comes to something when an 80+ year old veteran says a thing like that. The one man who would NOT have been better off under Hitler was standing beside me taking pictures - he knows where he'd have been, because Hitler had plans for the like of him and his family, starting with a ghetto.
Trainman
says...
10:15pm Thu 17 Jun 10
LEAVE politics out of it, because it only starts aggrevation that is NOT needed in this thread.
Max Impact
says...
10:58pm Thu 17 Jun 10
Trainman wrote:Spot on
WELL DONE TO EVERYBODY ATTENDING AND CHEERING OUR BOYS & GIRLS AS THEY PASSED. LEAVE politics out of it, because it only starts aggrevation that is NOT needed in this thread.
Drop all the politics from this thread, its NOT wanted, by bringing politics into it your making a feal good event into a slagging match so no more.
Lets just celibrate the event and salute the guys.
InTheKnowOk
says...
12:29am Fri 18 Jun 10
marshman
says...
3:33am Fri 18 Jun 10
Well, I've never tasted anything so disgusting in all me life. It was rank. I took a couple of bites out of it and looked around for a bin. Couldn't see one so I took it to the bar and asked the barmaid to get rid of it for me. When I walked back to me spot someone had nicked me pint!
So thanks Royal Hotel, that was six quid down the drain. You won't be seeing my custom again.
And oh, the march past was great. Brought a lump to me throat it did. My only complaint (that's not really the right word) was that the guys in the wheelchairs were to the rear. I think they should have led the parade, right out there up front where we could all see ‘em. Still, where I was standing, they got the loudest cheer.
Thanks lads, you’re not forgotten.
margrete
says...
10:23am Fri 18 Jun 10
ThorpeAgent, yes, that remark really was said by an ex-serviceman, one who had many years of service in the army including the ill-fated Suez campaign. I was shocked. My husband heard it too, and he commented 'Well, I would NOT have been better off under Hitler!' True, he would have been dead, he and all his family if Hitler had invaded in 1940. So, some who came here as refugees are grateful. Others of recent years have not been so grateful, have even criticised us and our way of life and I guess that is what gives rise to the 'politics' referred to earlier.
It is a long-cherished tradition that a returning regiment marches through their local town/city with 'bands playing, bayonets fixed and colours flying'. I remember the Green Howards (now part of the Yorkshire Regiment) doing just that in their home town of Richmond, when they returned from the Malaya emergency in the 1950s. I love all those long-held traditions, but on 2 occasions now, at Luton and at Barking, other groups or individuals have tried to disrupt the occasion. The Southend parade was an exemplar of what such an occasion should be - happy, joyous, intensely patriotic and above all, peaceful.
openspace
says...
6:35pm Fri 18 Jun 10
Salvo The Clown
says...
9:18am Sat 19 Jun 10
However, my thanks go's to everyone who was involved in this trouble free event no matter whom you were :-) Thank You!
jeanie1959
says...
9:49am Sat 19 Jun 10
It means a great deal to them to know they have the support of our people
They have returned from a gruelling 6 months in Afghanistan and have suffered the loss of their comrades and also witnessed the terrible injury of others
So to see all those people with faces painted and flags flying cheering them on was wonderful
God bless you all
Jeanie (proud mum of a Viking)
ken66
says...
7:15pm Sun 20 Jun 10
I would like to point out that St John ambulance and East of England ambulance were there to cover first aid, not as you reported the SOS Bus who were there for lost children
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Former servicemen turn out for the parade today. PIC: JENNIFER HUMPHREYS
Former servicemen join the march. PIC: JENNIFER HUMPHREYS
Southend prepares to welcome our troops
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VictoriaLS says...
6:05pm Mon 14 Jun 10