News
TRH visit Wootton Bassett
29th January 2010
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have visited a market town in Wiltshire made famous for its roadside tributes to servicemen killed in action.
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Hundreds of shopkeepers, residents and war veterans line the streets of Wootton Bassett in silence as funeral corteges pass through the high street.
The Wiltshire town has become a national focus for honouring those who have given their lives in service of their country, with Prince William presenting mayor Steve Bucknell and Anne Bevis, of the Royal British Legion, a recognition award last month.
The visit followed the latest repatriations of Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper and Rifleman Peter Aldridge.
In a speech, The Prince told guests at the town's Conservative Club: "My wife and I have come here today really to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the people of Wootton Bassett for their unstinting support of Britain's armed forces.
"Only an hour or so ago you lined the High Street for what must have been the 110th occasion to pay your respects to Lance Corporal Cooper of three Rifles, and Rifleman Aldridge of four Rifles who returned home from Afghanistan to their final resting place. As a father myself I can only begin to imagine how agonising and devastating it must be for the families of Daniel and Peter and indeed the families of all those who have lost their loved ones on operations overseas.
"As they come to terms with their tragic loss, however inadequate they may be, our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. Above all this country owes these brave men a great debt of gratitude which is why it's wonderful to see the good people of Wootton Bassett honouring that debt time after time when our boys come home on their final journey."
He said the family and friends of fallen servicemen would find "great comfort and solace" in this "desperately sad" time when it seems as though their world has been so "cruelly shattered".
He added: "Your actions have come to symbolise our nation's grief. We would like to express our profound gratitude to you all for your support."
Officers from Wiltshire and Ministry of Defence Police, who patrol the repatriations, were among those invited to hear The Prince speak, along with business leaders, civic dignitaries, the sea cadets and the war memorial committee.