Headstone to be unveiled in memory of Croydon servicemen and women (From Croydon Guardian)

Headstone to be unveiled in memory of Croydon servicemen and women

1:22pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Hannah Williamson

The headstone will be unveiled at Croydon Cemetery

A headstone in memory of Croydon servicemen and women who have lost their lives since the end of the Second World War is to be unveiled.

Mayor of Croydon Councillor Eddy Arram will lay a wreath by the memorial at Croydon Cemetery in a special ceremony next week.

The headstone will provide a place for people to pay their respects to local members of the Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives on the front line.

Organised by Croydon Council on behalf of the borough, the memorial will pay tribute in particular to those who have died more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The families of Rifleman Peter Aldridge, Rifleman Danny Simpson and Private Jonathan Monk, who all lived in the borough and died in Afghanistan, have been invited to attend.

Cllr Arram said: "This memorial will remember the servicemen and women from Croydon who gave their lives fighting for the peace and prosperity of this country.

"It will be a place of tranquillity for visitors from present and future generations to reflect on the sacrifices those brave servicemen and women have made, something for which we remain forever grateful and must never forget."

Last year Croydon Council became the first local authority in London to launch a community covenant with the armed forces.

The legal pact between the council and the military means new support will be given to service personnel and their families, as well as reservists, veterans and cadet groups.

All are welcome to attend the memorial ceremony which is at 3pm on Wednesday November 7.