Streets could be named in memory of fallen heroes
STREETS across Gloucestershire could be named after fallen soldiers, if a Labour bid goes ahead.
The political party is writing to all local councils urging them to consider offering bereaved service families the chance to name streets after their loved one.
The move, put forward by shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy and Communities and Local Government Secretary Hilary Benn, will be offered as a lasting memory of those killed in the line of duty.
Gloucestershire's Tony Mason, a retired Air-Vice Marshal, said he would be supportive of the idea if families and communities were in favour.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
He said: "There is not anything original about naming roads and streets after people and there is no reason not to commemorate soldiers in this way. But it is obviously a very sensitive and personal choice.
"Clearly not everybody is supportive of recent actions and war, but it is important that we separate this from those who make this kind of sacrifice."
Former WO1 from the Army Intelligence Corps, Dave Martel, is the chairman of the Cheltenham RBL.
He said: "I think it would mean a lot and it is a great idea and a good way of honouring people.
"We are lucky in the county as we have so many organisations who maintain monuments and plaques in memory of those who have fallen and they do that tremendously well."
Jim Murphy MP, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, said: "This is a way for local people to show their solidarity and sympathy.
"A lasting personal memorial would demonstrate the value we place on individuals who have served but been lost in the defence of our country.
"Those who have been lost will always be remembered and loved by their families."
Comments
by Coingrass
Saturday, February 23 2013, 11:13PM
“A nice idea but where do you start and where do you draw the line? Do you honour the 440 who have lost their lives in Afghanistan since 2001 and the 179 who died in Iraq since 2003 but not the 255 who died retaking the Falklands? And what of the 371 who died in the EOKA troubles in Cyprus in 1956-59 - more than we lost in Iraq? Should they not also be remembered and honoured? Then there's Northern Ireland, Malaysia, the Yemen, Korea and many others, large and small. Do we name only new streets - will there be enough to go around? - or rename existing ones as well, at great expense and considerable confusion? How many people might die because a renamed street isn't on the ambulance satnav? I don't think this idea has been fully thought through.”