Recognition for Wootton Bassett
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Recognition for Wootton Bassett
The chaps over on the "other" forum have raised a petition to get some official recognition for the people of Wootton Bassett who frequently turn out for the repatriation of the bodies of service personnel killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The ARRSE Wootton Bassett thread.
Petition Here:
petitions.number10.gov...onBassett/
Duly signed.
The ARRSE Wootton Bassett thread.
Petition Here:
petitions.number10.gov...onBassett/
Duly signed.
petition to get some official recognition for the people of Wootton Bassett
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Not really sure it is necessary. What happened in Wootty B was entirely spontaneous and heart felt. I live close by and whenever I am there for a repatriation it almost feels like an extended family turning out. Most people simply want to show respect and solidarity for the fallen. It is the least that any British citizen should do. Would hate to see it turn into a media frenzy. Perhaps those serving should relax, the people of North Wilts are setting a fine example to the rest of the country and the police authority of Oxon.
I would far rather see Lyneham remain open and maintain a relationship with the local community that is meaningful and long term.
Anyone know what is happening in 2012? Not far away now...
I would far rather see Lyneham remain open and maintain a relationship with the local community that is meaningful and long term.
Anyone know what is happening in 2012? Not far away now...
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Anyone know what is happening in 2012? Not far away now...
My deepest thanks go to the people of WB for their heartfelt displays during every repatriation.
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Nige said: Not really sure it is necessary. What happened in Wootty B was entirely spontaneous and heart felt. I live close by and whenever I am there for a repatriation it almost feels like an extended family turning out. Most people simply want to show respect and solidarity for the fallen. It is the least that any British citizen should do. Would hate to see it turn into a media frenzy. Perhaps those serving should relax, the people of North Wilts are setting a fine example to the rest of the country and the police authority of Oxon.
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Beatriz Fontana
I would say there was a huge difference between WB and Malta.WB Has not suffered anything like Malta did.What WB has shown is how to show honour respect and dignity to the fallen which the whole nation should take note off and learn from.
'Bout time. If Malta can get a gong, after all...
Signed with pleasure and pride.
Signed with pleasure and pride.
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Signed and proud too.
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The people of WB deserve all their accolades but lets not forget the others along the route. During a recent repatriation, I was travelling along the A420 Swindon to Oxford road and a large number of people were congregated at the Shrivenham/Watchfield roundabout awaiting the hearse on it's journey. There was plenty of grey hair to be seen as well as WWII medals but there were younger people in evidence as well.
The recent parade in WB by all three services was much appreciated.
The recent parade in WB by all three services was much appreciated.
Last edited by DON T; 11th Jan 2009 at 16:13.
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Sadly, having been one of the family members being driven through the streets of Wootoon Bassett after a repatriation I wholeheartedly agreee there should be some sort of recognition for the people of the town. There are no words that can express being met with the unexpected sight of all the people lining the streets, showing their respect and sharing in your pain, especially after having realised that all you have left is a box and not someone to hold, you can feel incredibly lonely....and then you come into Wootoon Bassett and are blown away by the solidarity. I know I will never forget the sight for as long as I live, and will speak for many years to come about the wonderful people in Wiltshire. At times I have felt redunant in being able to initiate a suitable way to express my thanks and respect to the people of the town and I for one think this is perfect.I for one will never forget you..
I would be against official recognition.
Not because they don't deserve it for showing respect BUT because of the fawning culture that you would get as a result where towns and villages who decide to do one thing would then demand the same recognition as people who had done something out of the good ness of their hearts.
Politicians and other would jump on the bandwagon.
Better to be held in the hearts of people in thanks for the continual showing of respect that it becoming a "must do" because some politicians have done it and a place has received an award. Better to keep it private than it become a tourist thing.
Not because they don't deserve it for showing respect BUT because of the fawning culture that you would get as a result where towns and villages who decide to do one thing would then demand the same recognition as people who had done something out of the good ness of their hearts.
Politicians and other would jump on the bandwagon.
Better to be held in the hearts of people in thanks for the continual showing of respect that it becoming a "must do" because some politicians have done it and a place has received an award. Better to keep it private than it become a tourist thing.
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I have traveled the traumatic road of Wootton Bassett after a repatriation. I also have the priviledge of knowing the people of this area and I honestly feel that their respect and feelings for the hero's that pass through their town needs no more than acknowledgment for a community honouring their dead. I know many who live there, they genuinely feel sorrow and pride for the fallen. This pride has already been respected by RAF Lyneham - does it need more? I doubt they want it, this pride was displayed freely and with humility. Nothing in the world can top that. Whilst I know that others feel it needs recognising, the fact that people of this country are aware and may take their actions as an example should be acknowledgment enough. My man loved this area, he would have felt that his family were there for him - is there need for more?
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My man loved this area, he would have felt that his family were there for him - is there need for more?
Yes, there is a need for more. Your man knew and loved the area and, possibly, some who lined the route knew your man. But many who pass through know not the people or the area.
In this modern, "do nothing without benefit to yourself" country that Britain is becoming these people step out, rain or shine, to do something selflessly. Such is the unusual nature of the gesture it is worthy of recognition. If for no other reason that it might draw others to consider a selfless act...
They, like those who populate "The Highway of Heroes" near Toronto, bring a tear to those who understand and they might, hopefully, (even in the smallest way), inspire others who currently either don't know or care to pay some modicum of respect to those who have given their life. Even the smallest step is a step in the right direction.
The people of Wootton Bassett have demonstrated what our country used to be about: Honour and Respect for those who, through volunteering or conscription, have placed themselves in harms way.
Personally, I applaud them and believe that they should be granted recognition as one small town making a big difference in some people's lives and, possibly, helping to maintain a national identity that is becoming harder and harder to find.
[End note]
I lived at RAF Hullavington for 3 years. Beautiful area, wonderful people. I might be considered "biased". But I doubt anyone could make that accusation stick in this regard...
[/End Note]
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In this modern, "do nothing without benefit to yourself" country that Britain is becoming these people step out, rain or shine, to do something selflessly. Such is the unusual nature of the gesture it is worthy of recognition. If for no other reason that it might draw others to consider a selfless act...
The people of this town have done this wonderful thing out of respect not for recognition. The media coverage of it should surely be recognition enough. Too many people have said that this country does not care about its military and now people are finding ways to refute this statement, we want to reward them. I'm not sure that's right either.
The people of this country should honour our courageous men and women - past and present, and they should not need to be 'honoured' themselves when they have done it.
What a merry go round.
'Gongs all round.
Shake hands
Pat on the back
Let me stand at the front then I can smile at the camera!
Leave these fine people to do what they do best - look after our own with Pride.
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Sorry for being blunt, but if it takes recognition to encourage others to follow suite then it begs the question 'would they have done it otherwise?' In which case we are back to 'do nothing without benefit to yourself'.
Furthermore, the issue may force the government to look more closely at the way it deals with and thinks about the military, serving, ex and those who have given all.
Unless you want the Chavs to continue to multiply by a similar but opposite process.