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News

Wooton Bassett reception of bodies of those who died in Afgahnistan

88 replies

Simples · 10/07/2009 19:30

My parents went today. Said it is HUGE with people from all over the country.
VERY moving, silence as the cars pass then a solitary howl from a young woman.

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8143614.stm

They said they wouldnt be suprised if it becomes a big anti war focus.

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Report

Simples · 10/07/2009 19:31

ah two ts in Wootton.

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FiveGoMadInDorset · 10/07/2009 19:32

It is amazing isn't it.

Simples · 10/07/2009 19:34

Ah you have been too?
Apprently you can see dad on the news.
He "spoke" to the local MP who was a deluded idiot, my words not his

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FiveGoMadInDorset · 10/07/2009 19:36

No I haven't but also brings me out in goosebumps and tears when I see it on he television and I think whatever else is crap in the news there are decent people out there who care and respect the death of a soldier.

herbietea · 10/07/2009 19:37

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southeastastra · 10/07/2009 19:38

god it's awful, how many more..

FiveGoMadInDorset · 10/07/2009 19:38

We had a guest staying here a few months ago who was in the police in a nearby town and he said that a small contigent of whoever was on duty was sent to pay their respects in full dress uniform.

BoysAreLikeDogs · 10/07/2009 19:48

We had the Rifles march through a local town the other weekend

They have lost 8 in their last tour

I think that Wootton will become a focus

Tis v

RorysRacingMa · 10/07/2009 19:50

I'm so glad people do make the effort. It's so easy to forget that hundreds of young men and women are continually being posted in Afghanistan. And that they face actual and real danger every day they are there. Since 2001 until mid May 161 people were killed but now it seems like it's at least one brave soul every day.

I used to register it when you hear on the news and think 'oh that's sad' but my friends brother was killed there in May and now I genuinely know how awful it is and how many families are affected by all that is going on.

My heart and thoughts go out to anyone with a relative, friend or loved one out there and i hope and pray they come home safe and sound.

Metella · 10/07/2009 19:51

I am hugely impressed that these people turn out again and again. Thank god some-one cares about those poor boys and girls dying .

Simples · 10/07/2009 19:52

My parents were suprised to see COAcHES of former servicemen.

ANyway, I might go now they went. Not that I support it but we to know a family affected.

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Simples · 10/07/2009 19:53

sorry "not that I support the war"
I have vetoed my children ever joining the services.
One victim was 18 fgs

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Metella · 10/07/2009 19:57

My brother was a soldier. I asked what he would do if his son wanted to join up.

"Break his legs" was his response.

DrEvil · 10/07/2009 20:08

my dh is RN and stacks of our friends are Army too. It makes me well up and touch forests of wood and listen very carefully to the ship or rgt with the loss.

Being in the Forces is a thankless but necessary task.

I'd definately turn out at Wooton Basset every time if we lived close enough, it's a mark of respect and support IMO and I think it's fab local people still do it.

CrystalTits · 10/07/2009 20:17

The people of Wootton Bassett deserve some kind of official recognition for the respect they show on behalf of so many of us who can't be there ourselves. I wish I could think of a way to honour the town 'collectively'. I think they're amazing.

herbietea · 10/07/2009 20:19

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Simples · 10/07/2009 20:29

Yes my youngest mutters about being in the Army - i was very stern with him about it.

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abraid · 10/07/2009 20:34

Well done to all those who pay their respects.

FiveGoMadInDorset · 10/07/2009 21:16

I don't think it is about supporting he war, but it is definitely supoorting the soldiers and their families by showing that they respect what they do and the sacrifice they make regardless of whether we think it is right or wrong, we live next door to one army base and DD goes to nursery on another. DS's Godfather came home safely and we have lots of friends who are in the army.

tiredemma · 11/07/2009 08:49

My friend was in WB to see home the body of a childhood friend. She said that it was quite a surreal experience, hundreds of people appear from nowhere- one minute they are all chatting- and then it goes quiet and solemn and peaceful.

KIMItheThreadSlayer · 11/07/2009 09:03

I would lock my sons in the attic before I would ever let them join up.
So sad for the family's and friends of those involved. Sadly though I think when you join the armed forces it is likely you are going to be sent to fight and there is a high risk you could die, I think it must be hell on earth for the family's .

Nice to see some Great British decorum and decency though, when these poor boy come home.

Now where did I put the padlock for the attic?

jcscot · 11/07/2009 09:50

My husband is out in Afghanistan just now and every time I see those bodies coming home I just think "There but for the grace of God..." - something common to most Forces wives, I imagine.

I think it's incredibly dignified and moving to see what the local people are doing and I hope that it doesn't become a focus for anti-war protests. There is a time and place for such protests but the ceremonies concerned with bringing home the dead is not one of them. Protests should be directed at those with the power to change things - the government and politicians - not at those who have alraedy paid the price for decisions made well above their pay-bracket.

If we lived near there, we'd be turning out too.

FiveGoMadInDorset · 11/07/2009 10:04

Another 8 to come home

abraid · 11/07/2009 10:08

It is a good cause, I don't think people should doubt that. The Taliban are synonymous with Osama bin Laden.

If we abandon Afghanistan we're telling him he effectively has control of Pakistan, too, whenever he wants it.

herbietea · 11/07/2009 10:09

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