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RESPECT: Veterans Stan, Jim, Cliff and Leslie with the honour guard
Remembering our heroes
Rashid Razaq12/11/2005
YOUNG people outraged by the desecration of a war memorial have honoured veterans with their own Armistice Day parade.
Students at Hopwood Hall College in Middleton were shocked after workmen trying to restore a Collyhurst memorial for fallen soldiers were attacked by yobs.
Determined to prove not all youngsters have forgotten the sacrifices of earlier generations, they organised a guard of honour for ex-servicemen yesterday.
Four veterans from the Royal Regiment Fusiliers were invited to the college, which specialises in training students for a life in the uniformed services.
Volunteered
Forty youngsters volunteered for an early-morning remembrance service to allow the former soldiers to leave in time to attend a traditional regimental ceremony at 11am.
College lecturer Damien Lowden said: "They were disgusted to see people their age had done this. They wanted to do something to mark their respect for the veterans and show their thanks."
Pupils who had only been learning how to drill and parade for four weeks were put to the test as they donned their uniforms for the parade, followed by prayers and a two-minutes silence.
One student carried a photograph of a former student, Rifleman Luke Jamieson, who was killed last year in a car accident while on duty with the First Battalion Royal Green Jackets.
The 17-year-old was the college's first pre-services student to be killed on duty.
Handful
Pre-services section leader Terry Morley said: "The veterans were made up. They couldn't believe how well a group of 16-year-old civilian students did it. The yobs are only a small handful of teenagers.
"Our students all want to be in the services and they are full of respect for our troops. It is important we remember not only those who fought in the First and Second World Wars, but everyone who has been killed or injured in service."
Veterans Jim Worrall, Stan Howes, Cliff Dodgson and Leslie Holt spoke with students about life in the forces after the parade
Warrant Officer Jim Worrall, 55, said: "What's surprising is the young lads who did that to the memorial are probably the same age as their grandfathers were when they fought in the Second World War.
Moved
"It's a sign of the times they haven't got the same responsibility. It was heart-warming to see the parade.
"We felt very moved these kids wanted to pay their respects to the men and women who have died defending this country."
Around 130 students aged between 16 and 18 are preparing for a career in the armed forces, fire service, police and prison services.
Chris Woods, 16, from Blackley, said: "We wanted to show our respect for the troops because of their sacrifices. The veterans said we looked smart and professional."
First-year student Billy Cosgrove, 17, said: "We were shocked to see the story and we thought about what to do as a group."
Most recent 2 of 2 user comments
12/11/2005 at 15:53
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Did the authorities do enough to prepare for the icy conditions?
The pathetic cop-out excuses of so called "kids from deprived backgrounds" makes me sick. There are so many opportunities out their for kids to keep them occupied if they want it. The yobs who can think of nothing better to do than get drunk and commit acts of vandalism and other crimes are a disgrace. It is time that them and their parents took a long hard look at themselves and learned some respect for the people who gave so much for us.
14/11/2005 at 10:04
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