We want parade for war heroes

10:07am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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We wanted to take this opportunity to respond to the article in the Echo headlined Call to Honour Military Heroes (May 5).

This letter has been written following my term in office as mayor, during which I attended several engagements honouring our servicemen and women, and also Gwen Horrigan's subsequent appointment as new mayor for the year, within which she will be looking at the possibility of hosting a ceremony or reception for our returning soldiers.

Although Southend Council has not yet been able to host a specific ceremony for returning soldiers, the council does an enormous amount where possible to support and recognise current and ex-service men and women and those affected by conflict.

Examples are the annual Veterans' Parade and events held in recognition of Holocaust Memorial Day, Remembrance Day, and the Battle of Britain Remembrance Service.

The council is always open to suggestions of ways to recognise local military service men and women. Both Gwen and I come from families whose fathers fought in the Second World War, which gives us an appreciation of the anxiety which families face when loved ones are involved in conflict.

Myself, as a local councillor, and Gwen, as the new mayor, appreciate the role of local communities in publicly recognising the bravery and commitment of our local service men and women.

We would both like to put on record that we are actively involved in pursuing a way forward and are exploring now the possibility of holding a ceremony or parade, ensuring that the proceedings are in line with what our service men and women and their families would want.

Cllr Daphne White
Cllr Gwen Horrigan
Civic Centre, Southend