City honours regiment's returning heroes of war (From The Northern Echo)

City honours regiment's returning heroes of war

3:02am Monday 18th February 2008 in News By Gavin Havery, Reporter (Derwentside & Tyneside)

SOLDIERS who fought in the Middle East were granted the freedom of a city yesterday, as residents paid tribute to their returning heroes.

The sound of a horn could be heard in the cobbled streets leading up to Durham's Palace Green, where 200 soldiers were assembled.

At the front of the column were The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, who stood to attention against the backdrop of the city's cathedral.

The sun shone and it was cold, but the winter chill did not deter the hundreds of people who lined the parade route to the Market Place, clutching cameras and camcorders.

With a powerful note, the musicians started and led the Freedom Parade through the city centre where children waved Union Flags to welcome the soldiers from the largest infantry regiment in the British Army.

The freedom of the city was bestowed upon them by Durham Mayor Bob Wynn.

"It means that the people of the city are able to show their appreciation of The Rifles," he said.

"If you have been in Iraq and Afghanistan, you have had a hard time. We know it is not easy out there so it is good for them to come back and feel people appreciate what they have done.

"It must raise morale to know that people care and they do because people were clapping them as they passed through the streets. It is a great day for Durham and an honour to grant the Freedom of the City to the Rifles."

The Rifles Regiment was formed last year from the amalgamation of seven regiments. It has the right to march through Durham, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Durham Light Infantry, which also held the Freedom of the City and last paraded through Durham in 1968.

The Rifles, now based near Edinburgh, recently returned from service in Afghanistan.

Brigadier Tim Evans said: "Today is very significant for the city, but it is more important for the soldiers.

"Many of those have come back from operations and it is very good to feel valued and appreciated for what they have done, fighting both in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Durham and Yorkshire have a long history with the military and it is important that we remember that.

"We also want to look towards the future and maintain that relationship."