Maldon district celebrates Armed Forces Day (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Maldon district celebrates Armed Forces Day

2:47pm Monday 22nd June 2009

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THE proud mum of a fallen soldier joined war veterans and dignitaries to celebrate the efforts at home and abroad by the armed forces.

Pearl Thrumble was invited to the Maldon district’s Armed Forces Day celebrations on Monday where a flag was raised by Sheila Young, chairman of Maldon District Council, at the council offices in Princes Road.

Mrs Thrumble’s son, John, 21, a private in the Royal Anglian Regiment, died in Afghanistan in August 2007 alongside his comrades Aaron McClure and Robert Foster, both 19, in a ‘friendly fire’ incident.

Mrs Thrumble of Steeple Road in Mayland, said it is important soldiers that are still fighting and those who have lost their lives are not forgotten.

She said: “There’s a lot of young men and women out there who deserve recognition.

“As a mum who’s lost a son it can be upsetting to think he’s been forgotten but it’s important for the families they are remembered.”

Mrs Young said she hopes the event will become an annual occasion.

She said: “It’s been a huge success, I think it’s very important the Maldon district takes part - it’s a very special place, it may be small but it’s big hearted.”

Vic Scott, bomber command with the RAF’s 51 Squadron from 1941 to 1946, now lives in Heybridge Basin.

He said the event was “well supported” and feels it is important to support both serving and fallen soldiers.

He said: “Once you let things slip it’s gone.”

National Armed Forces Day is on Saturday June 27.

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