History was made on the streets of Monmouth yesterday (Friday, March 4th) as soldiers from the Royal Welsh marched from the ancient Monnow Bridge to the town’s Shire Hall to receive the Freedom of the County scroll from the county council chairman, councillor Peter Clarke.
The decision to grant the freedom, unanimously agreed by the county council on 13th January, recognises the heroism and devotion to duty of the regiment during the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns.
The parade, led by Taffy the 2nd Battalion Goat, comprising Fire Support Company and supported by the band of the Price of Wales was cheered by a crowd over a thousand strong including many children waving flags. An atmospheric, colourful occasion was accompanied by cool, sunny, bright conditions.
Having received the scroll and given a general salute the parade exercised the right conferred on the Royal Welsh by marching through the town back to the Monnow Bridge.
Council Chairman, Councillor Clarke said: “We’re very grateful today for the presence of The Royal Welsh and so pleased to grant them the freedom of the county. We look forward to their return soon.
We’ve been blessed with a lovely day and I’d like to thank those staff whose organisational skills allowed the day’s proceedings to run so smoothly”.
