May 23, 2009, Multiply, town welcom its heros

I don't usually post things like this but today I thought I would. Our town is quite a small town and every one has a Marine in their circle of friends and family. My daughters partner is an ex-marine and served with this group of lads, he has been to more funerals, and sat by more hospital beds  recently than any man of his age should. My daughter worked in the bar where they all drank, somehow with this being such a small town it sort of brings things home. What I feel about this is difficult to describe, just very, very sad I think.

Daily Express; Saturday May 23,2009
By Tom Fullerton THERE were tears and cheers yesterday as more than 1,000 men, women and children lined the streets of Arbroath to welcome the members of 45 Commando Royal Marines home from Afghanistan .
And there wasn't one in the whooping, clapping crowd who didn’t pause for a moment to think of the young men not returning to the heroes’ welcome.

Nine marines were among 12 men from Battle Group North, deployed with 45 Commando in Helmand, who lost their lives patrolling the treacherous streets in search of Taliban weapons and drugs stashes.
Many others were injured, mainly by shrapnel from improvised explosive devices. Some will never march again.
They were in the thoughts of all ranks of Commando 45 who were granted the civic honour of parading through Arbroath yesterday.
The parade began at noon, led by the Royal Marine Band of Scotland , and moved through the town to Arbroath Abbey where Provost of Angus, Ruth Leslie Melville and the Lord Lieutenant of the county, Mrs Georgiana Osborne received the salute.
The marines then marched through the arch at the Abbey to return to the park where they disbanded.
Dave Stewart took along his grandchildren, Luke Anderson, five, and his one-year-old brother Saul.
Luke was wearing the 42 Commando beret his grandfather wore during his service in the 1960s.
Mr Stewart, from Dundee, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people out in support of these brave lads.

“As soon as the band began playing, I got hairs standing up on the back of my neck. It’s a magical thing.”
Margaret Hamilton, licensee of The Ship Inn in Arbroath town centre, said: “It’s great to see the lads again. But one of my regulars, Danny Winter, from Stockport, was killed in Afghanistan and several of the locals went to his funeral.”
Patricia Millar, chairman of the Arbroath Community Council, added: “We’re very proud of our connections to 45 Commando and that is reflected in the hundreds of people who are lining the streets today. It looks like the whole town has turned out in support.
“Obviously we are very saddened by the 12 who lost their lives, but we are very pleased that the others are now home and safe.”
Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris, said: “We’re very proud of our links with the community, so it’s a tremendous honour to parade through our home town of Arbroath.
“It’s an opportunity for us to say thank you to all those in the area who supported us. That support for the men and their families cannot be underestimated, and was very welcome.

“We had a tough, but successful, six months in Helmand and I’m proud of the marines’ achievements.
“We made real progress in the region, delivering security and local governance and allowing schools, shops, health clinics and offices to open.
“We also found and destroyed a number of Taliban weapons and opium. This success has come at a cost and we pay great tribute to our marines who sadly made the ultimate sacrifice, or were wounded in battle.”
Provost Leslie Melville added: “Our delight at their safe return is tempered with sadness for the colleagues they lost, and our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of those who lost their lives.”

delete reply acousticeagle wrote on May 23, '09 I most certainly agree with you on all of that.

edit delete reply forgetmenot525 wrote on May 23, '09 acousticeagle said good to hear that there is some good that has come from our Allied troops This is what we are told and I guess we need to believe it but during times of conflict it is virtually impossible to tell what is true and what is not. This article comes straight out of a newspaper.........not my words.. Personally I find the whole topic of Iran / Afghanistan very difficult to deal with and I'm just thankful they are home and safe.

delete reply acousticeagle wrote on May 23, '09 forgetmenot525 said “We made real progress in the region, delivering security and local governance and allowing schools, shops, health clinics and offices to open. It is good to hear that there is some good that has come from our Allied troops involvement in the middle east. But the loss of their lives for this cause is always hard news.

delete reply veryfrank wrote on May 23, '09 forgetmenot525 said Some will never march again. Those who returned will be honored and celebrated. Those who were lost will be mourned and remembered. Those who are impaired will need our continued respect and support to prepare for and adjust to their altered lives. Those who serve should know that they made a difference in the world...least we forget. It is quite touching that your townspeople turned out to greet and show recognition to the Marines, That happens here in small town America also. In the large cities, family, friends and well wishers wait for them at the airport. It doesn't seem quite enough to me.

edit delete reply forgetmenot525 wrote on May 23, '09 brendainmad said and it's so easy to forget. guess that's how I feel, this is a small town with a large Marine base sitting on its edge.

delete reply brendainmad wrote on May 23, '09 I'm glad so many people turned out. So many times it happens, though it's not the case of your town, that we don't know anyone fighting in any of these places and it's so easy to forget.