Tributes paid to bravery of heroes

Songs and moving memories were shared across the Black Country to celebrate the region's war heroes.

Hundreds of people turned out to mark Armed Forces Day over the weekend, celebrating the bravery of both veterans and those still representing their country and involved in conflict.

Patriotic crowds paid their respects at a rousing concert in the grounds of Himley Hall in Dudley yesterday.

Around 35 veterans from conflicts including the Second World War and the first Gulf War were presented with the Veterans' Lapel Badge to recognise the contribution that hey had made. Phyllis Richardson, 83, from Wall Heath, was at the concert representing her first husband Francis Hosier who died at the aged of 21 in the RAF when he was killed in Germany in the Second World War.

"It's been a lovely day and I think that this event is very important in remembering what happened to these people," she said.

At least four hundred heroes descended on RAF Cosford yesterday for another event, to share tales of comradeship, honour and coming of age. Each veteran wore their medals, berets, badges and blazers to take a salute by Air Chief Marshall Sir Christopher Moran, before watching a stunning Spitfire display and a showcase by the RAF Central Band to add to the atmosphere.

Les Bouts, aged 70, of Tettenhall Wood, a steward for the day, said: "We've got around 450 taking part in the parade, but when you add in the numbers of family and friends here we've got around 3,000 people on the site. Everyone in the parade here was called up to the RAF because of National Service. I was in the RAF between 1949 and 1950, and I have never forgotten that experience." Another moving tribute to veterans was held in Wednesbury. The event at Wednesbury Royal British Legion saw around a dozen members gather at the Church Hill club on Saturday.

Alf Cooper, aged 73, from Bloxwich played The Last Post on his bugle ahead of the minute's silence. The former railway construction manager served with the Mercian Volunteers and was a drum sergeant in Egypt and Cyprus in the 1950s.

He said: "It's very important to remember veterans but the current soldiers deserve to get a higher recognition. They are out there now putting their lives on the line."

And the red, white and blue was also flying high in Pelsall. Wartime classics were ringing out at Pelsall Parish Church hall, as the 85-strong crowd was treated to a performance by a Dame Vera Lynn lookalike.