Students outraged at desecrated war memorial organize own guard of honour
Published: November 12, 2005
YOUNG people outraged by the desecration of a war memorial have honoured veterans with their own Armistice Day parade.
Students at Hopwood Hall College in Middleton were shocked after workmen trying to restore a Collyhurst memorial for fallen soldiers were attacked by yobs.
Determined to prove not all youngsters have forgotten the sacrifices of earlier generations, they organised a guard of honour for ex-servicemen yesterday.
Four veterans from the Royal Regiment Fusiliers were invited to the college, which specialises in training students for a life in the uniformed services.
Volunteered
Forty youngsters volunteered for an early-morning remembrance service to allow the former soldiers to leave in time to attend a traditional regimental ceremony at 11am.
College lecturer Damien Lowden said: “They were disgusted to see people their age had done this. They wanted to do something to mark their respect for the veterans and show their thanks.”
Pupils who had only been learning how to drill and parade for four weeks were put to the test as they donned their uniforms for the parade, followed by prayers and a two-minutes silence.
Handful
Pre-services section leader Terry Morley said: “The veterans were made up. They couldn’t believe how well a group of 16-year-old civilian students did it. The yobs are only a small handful of teenagers.
If you enjoyed this good news Subscribe to Good News Blog
Share this
To share this simply copy and paste one of the below URL's: