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Honourable Artillery Company given borough's highest honour
October 2, 2009 6:16 PM
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Bridget Fox meeting members of The Company of Pikemen & Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company.
The Honourable Artillery Company, the historic Territorial Army Regiment based in Islington, was granted the Freedom of the Borough in a special ceremony. Councillors recognised the historic connections between the borough and the Company, and dedicated the award to the individual servicemen and women of the regiment.
Liberal Democrat council leader Terry Stacy, with Islington's Deputy Lieutenant, Mayor, and officers and members of the HAC.
The HAC was founded by Henry VIII in 1537, and has been based in Armoury House in Bunhill since 1735. The regiment fought in the Great War and WWII, and every year a detachment of HAC soldiers lays a wreath at the Spa Green war memorial.
In recent years, members of the regiment have served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. There are currently twelve HAC officers and soldiers serving in Afghanistan. Twenty more are due to be mobilised in Spring 2010, and a further 20 next Autumn.
Lieutenant Colonel Murphy, the Regiment's commanding officer, accepted a plaque from the Mayor of Islington and signed the register of Honorary Freepersons. The Regiment's name has also been etched in gilt on the wall of the council chamber.
Liberal Democrat councillor Jyoti Vaja spoke to nominate the Regiment for the honour. She said:
"We must not undervalue or ignore the bravery and sacrifice our soldiers show in volunteering to put their lives on the line. We should give them the respect they deserve.
"This freedom of the borough is a token and a symbol of that respect. This honour is for all of our nation's men and women serving in uniform, at home and overseas on active duty."
In addition to the ceremonial honour, under new plans from the Liberal Democrats in Islington, war veterans who were injured or disabled in the line of duty are being fast-tracked for council housing. They will receive additional points to bid for housing under the borough's council letting scheme - on top of any they receive because of their disability, homelessness, or other needs.
Liberal Democrat council leader Terry Stacy said:
"The Royal British Legion has talked about the growing sense of disillusionment among service Personnel and veterans about their treatment by the state. The Government have failed to provide proper tanks, helicopters, land rovers, body armour, even air conditioning equipment in Afghanistan and Iraq, endangering the safety of our troops. New recruits go into combat on less pay than young firefighters and police. Veterans don't get the support they need or deserve. It's a national disgrace.
"We ask for the ultimate sacrifice from our servicemen and women, so I believe we're morally obliged to do all we can to help people who are hurt fighting on our behalf.
"It was a lovely ceremony, and our way of telling local Territorial Army Volunteers how much we in Islington value their contribution to our nation and community."
Please sign the Liberal Democrat armed forces petition online at:
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