MP “moved” by huge turnout for parade

Mike Penning, Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, was “deeply moved” by the huge turnout for Dacorum’s first Remembrance Sunday Parade to be led by a contingent from RAF Halton and the RAF Halton Pipes and Drums. The parade, organised by the Hemel Hempstead branch of the Royal British Legion, was one of the largest in recent times. In November last year Dacorum Borough Council granted our local military base ‘Freedom of Entry to the Borough’.

Mike said:
“I was deeply moved by the response of the people of Dacorum to the parade. It just goes to show that the local people have a huge amount of respect for the sacrifices and contributions made by Britain’s armed forces, past and present. As we marched around the magic roundabout I couldn’t believe it when I looked back to see people still coming over the bridge at Riverside.

“This year we have sadly witnessed the deaths of two Dacorum residents serving in Afghanistan: Marine Matthew Harrison of Boxmoor and Acting Corporal David Barnsdale of Tring. The sacrifices made by these two young men and their families will not be forgotten.”

Another serviceman with Dacorum connections, Gunner Mark Stonelake of 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery who had his left leg amputated when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Afghanistan was chosen to feature in the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. The Royal British Legion has provided funding for to adapt his home.