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Heroes Welcome organiser talks of soldiers' sacrifice - COMMENT ON THIS STORY
THE organiser of Scarborough's Heroes Welcome scheme says soldiers make a "sacrifice" to give people the right to protest safely.
John Senior, co-ordinator of Heroes Welcome, which supports members of the armed forces, was commenting after soldiers returning from wartorn Iraq were abused by protesters.
The 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment were met by anti-war protesters waving placards with abusive slogans as they marched in a parade at Luton.
Mr Senior stressed the importance of democracy following the incident.
He said: "However unpalatable the views may be, the sacrifice these boys and girls are making is allowing these views and feelings to be heard and vocalised and that means we live in a free democracy.
"These public shows of support are so important to our soldiers because it's an opportunity for people to actually say thank-you."
The Heroes Welcome initiative, which was launched by the South Bay Traders' Association, has seen a range of businesses offer discounts to Army, Royal Navy, RAF personnel and veterans.
A variety of people have praised the scheme including Prince Charles and head of the Army Sir Richard Dannatt.
Recently Mr Senior highlighted the success of the initiative at the National Association of Civic Officers conference at the Royal Hotel and encouraged other local authorities to take it up.
Mr Senior, who is also chairman of the South Bay Traders' Association, is now getting ready to promote the scheme this year.
He said: "We're resetting the scheme for 2009. We now have a lot more stickers I've got to give out and I'm urging people to join to show their support."
Anyone who wants to join Heroes Welcome, should contact John Senior on (01723) 364042 or email captsen1@aol.com.
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Weather for Scarborough
Friday 10 February 2012
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