The Echo is correct in saying returning soldiers should merit our gratitude and admiration for extreme bravery and devotion to duty in a war many consider to be contentious (June 16 and 18 ).
However, I do not believe the memories of such parades will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Many will find burned into their memories, not the glory and triumph, but the inhumanity of incidents which cannot be erased.
One particular incident which still haunts me was during an attack on a tiny hillside village in Gemmano, Italy.
There was heavy fighting and for a brief moment the artillery stopped and I heard a terrified child scream their mother was dead: “Mama morte, mama morte.”
I barely remember the victory parades and while I am on the British Legion subscription list, I never claimed my wartime medals and never attended an Armistice parade as it arouse memories I try to forget, but without success.
W H Diment
Church Road
Laindon
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here