Mail teams up with airport to welcome returning soldiers
Dec 8 2009 by Gregg Evans, Birmingham Mail
THE Birmingham Mail has launched a joint campaign to provide a heroes’ welcome for Britain’s returning soldiers.
The Mail is throwing its support behind plans to introduce a mark of thanks to brave servicemen and women flying into the city’s airport from the battlefield.
Wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan are flown to the airport before they are transferred to Selly Oak Hospital’s special military ward.
Now plans are under way to set up a banner or sign at the private Elmdon site, which is used to receive some military flights. A separate Heroes Welcome will be placed in the airport’s main terminal, where it will be viewed by more than 10 million people each year.
It may take the form of a painting, sculpture or something completely innovative, but the airport are hoping for input from Mail readers.
The airport’s chief executive officer Paul Kehoe said: “The airport is delighted to play a humble part in recognising the great work – and sacrifice – of our armed forces.
“Whatever the politics and public opinion, once given a job to do the armed forces carry out their duties with outstanding professionalism and pride. It is a privilege to be part of this campaign and I urge businesses, colleges and individuals to support the Heroes Welcome.”
Mail editor Dave Brookes said he hoped readers would become involved.
He said: “The Birmingham Mail is very proud of all of our soldiers from around the West Midlands.
“In often very difficult and dangerous conditions they carry out their duties with real professionalism.
“We hope our readers will back the Heroes Welcome campaign and help come up with a design that will be a fitting and lasting tribute to our heroic troops.”
The idea originated from a BBC WM radio listener who was taken aback by the powerful documentary ‘Wounded’, screened by the BBC earlier this year. He felt something should be done in Birmingham to support the contribution of our armed forces.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup thanked the people of the West Midlands for their support.
He said: “The plan to erect a lasting commemoration to the armed forces at Birmingham airport is a generous initiative and one that I support wholeheartedly.”
