Calls for Armed Forces Day parade in Rochdale

Today (Saturday 26 June 2010) is Armed Forces Day, a day to recognise the work that our troops are doing and to remember those who have died for our country. Some towns across the region are having parades to mark the occasion.

Rochdale Online reporter Laura Wild, spoke to shoppers in Rochdale to find out what they think about Armed Forces Day and if we too should have a parade.
 
Mr and Mrs Blakey think a Rochdale parade would be a great idea.
 
Mr Blakey said: "I think a parade would be nice and a nice way to show the soldiers some respect."
 
Mrs Blakey added: "I can't see a reason why we shouldn't. They are doing a great job and we should recognise that. I do think it is time for them to come home though."
 
John Laurel said: "It would be a really nice gesture. We should do something in Rochdale."
 
Mr Laurel added: "So many people are being killed and I think to do something to mark the day will bring it home to people."
 
Pauline Lancaster said: "We should certainly do something for Armed Forces Day like a march in the town centre. I don't think some people realise just how hard the troops are working and how much they are doing for us.
 
"Without them we would be so vulnerable and people don't understand that.

 "I didn't know it was Armed Forces Day today so perhaps if more was made of the occasion we could show that we know what a good job the troops are doing."
 
Alex Hunt said: "We must recognise what the troops are doing it is as simple as that. I also think it is time for them to come home."
 
Mary Maden is disappointed Rochdale isn't marking the day with a parade, she said: "Our soldiers are doing such a good job and we need to show them our praise and thanks. I would like to meet them and tell them what a good job they are doing."
 
Mr Higginbottom doesn't think there should be a parade: "It's their job, they signed up to do it," he said. "I'm not sure what they are trying to achiever but I suppose they are doing a good job."
 
Clifford Dunn would be happy to see a Rochdale event to take place for Armed Forces Day.
 
He said: "Our service men and women are fighting for their country and they should be appreciated it for it.
 
Gareth Roberts said: "It is important to remember those fighting and those who have fought and no longer with us. A day of recognition within Rochdale would give people chance to remember them."

What do you think? Should there be a parade in Rochdale for Armed Forces Day?

Join in the debate: http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12303