Events commemorating National Veterans' Day were held at Wattisham Airfield and Mildenhall, but there was no celebration in Bury.

The day was instituted by the Government three years ago and the first year, current mayor Cllr Bob Cockle, Arthur Smith and Howard Cook organised an event at County Upper School which was attended by 189 veterans and involved youth organisations connected with the military.

Attempts were made to get funding from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to stage later events but, said Cllr Cockle, a veteran himself, it was not possible to meet strict rules laid down by the MoD.

Royal Navy veteran Bill Rice, said he was upset nothing was done this year.

"I feel people are neglecting the veterans and the town should be more aware of the fact that there are lots of us.

"There should be a parade through the town, veterans' day should be celebrated and Bury should be proud of them. I feel the town has turned its back on us."

Mr Rice, 87, served on the Atlantic convoys carrying supplies to Russia between 1940-41 before being part of combined operations preparing for the invasion of North Africa. He served on LC1 landing craft as part of the amphibious forces until D-Day and saw service in France. He also saw service during the Korean War.

Ron Day, president of the Bury St Edmunds branch of the Royal British Legion, said there was disappointment the day had not been observed.

Cllr Cockle said he, Mr Smith and Mr Cook had applied for £6,000 of funding but were told they could not spend grant money on food, marquees or portable toilets and, so, Bury's bid failed.

"We intend there will be a veterans' day at Rougham next year and we will set up a committee in January. I am certain we will have a very special day," said the mayor.

Jenny Bradin, his secretary, said ideas being looked at would be an event similar to America 400 in the Abbey Gardens, a fly-past and parade of military vehicles as well as possibly involving the Land Army Girls and schoolchildren.


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