Light Dragoons welcome home parade: Dereham mayor’s invitation to the parade

Dereham mayor Linda Monument has invited residents to come to the town tomorrow morning to welcome home the troops of the Light Dragoons. Here is her message:

May I send out an invitation to the people of Dereham and the surrounding villages to join us in welcoming home The Light Dragoons on Wednesday December 5?

This is our opportunity to show them how proud we are of their bravery and hard work in Afghanistan. By giving them the same tremendous welcome we gave them two years ago, we can acknowledge the endurance of the returning survivors, the suffering of the wounded and the price paid by one of their number, Sgt Lee Davidson, who died in combat during this tour of duty.

It is hard to put all that into words, but the roar of a cheering crowd can say it all much better than I can.

Two years ago, I was part of the parade in my capacity as the then chairman of Breckland Council and I was amazed at the turnout that lined the route and the Market Place for the parade.

This year, as mayor of Dereham, I shall be there again and will have the honour of presenting to the commanding officer of the Light Dragoons, a certificate confirming that Dereham is granting the Light Dragoons the Honorary Freedom of the Town.

Please join me in our tribute to the Light Dragoons on this exciting day and let's give them an even better welcome than before.