Parade honours fallen hero on a day of patriotism
ENGLAND flags were out in force as a community gathered together to honour a fallen soldier with a St George's Day parade.
Kieron Hill, from Clifton, was 20 when he was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2009.
His life, and the lives of other fallen soldiers, were remembered on Saturday with a two-minute silence before the parade set off down Southchurch Drive.
Kieron's aunts Diane Boam and Jackie Hill were touched to see that so many people had turned up at the garden of memorial to him.
"I think it's fabulous," said Ms Hill, 53, of Clifton. "His memory is going to live on forever.
"Look at the turnout – I think Kieron's death has brought people in Clifton closer together.
"Whenever there's a tragedy, they always pull together."
Members of the English Defence League also took part in the event. Money from a fun day at the Winning Post pub after the parade will go towards further improvements to the memorial garden, including improved illumination.
Mrs Boam, 56, of Rise Park, said: "It just means so much to all our family that they are keeping Kieron's memory going."
A message from Kieron's mum, Vicki Holmes, was read out before the parade. It said: "We as a family will never forget Kieron. He will always be remembered for his great personality, his amazing smile and his ability to light up a room when he entered. He would have been so proud to see you all here today."
4 Comments
by Diane Boam, Mottingham
Monday, April 25 2011, 8:28PM
“I would like to thank everyone concerned for arranging this fantastic day in memory of my Nephew L/Cprl Kieron Hill, Everything was perfect for him, the service, the parade and then the fundraiser at the Winning Post. Thanks also everyone for the respect shown to my family and our fallen Hero. Cant wait for next year xx”
by michael notts nash, nottingham
Monday, April 25 2011, 8:17PM
“great day in honor of a true hero R.I.P kieron hill ,,thank you all that turned up .”
by chris conroy, Newark on Trent
Monday, April 25 2011, 8:03PM
“Being part of a big day for a fallen hero aswell as for England was an honor. It brung the community of Clifton together aswell as many others from the east midlands.”
by jack stevenz, nottingham
Monday, April 25 2011, 7:55PM
“st georges day was brilliant not only did we pay tribute 2 st george but also to a local hero lance corporal kieron hill(r.i.p) i was extremely proud of the turnout at the memorial and would like to thank everyone who showed up !!!”