Thousands of residents turned out to show their support for the brave men and women of The Royal Welsh as they were honoured with the Freedom of Caerphilly County Borough on Saturday.
To mark this prestigious occasion, more than 150 Army personnel marched through Caerphilly and Blackwood town centres, cheered on by county borough residents, who turned out in their thousands to show their support for the regiment.
Cllr Lindsay Whittle, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “It was truly overwhelming to see so many of the county borough’s residents coming out in force to show their support to the brave men and women of The Royal Welsh.
“We were delighted to confer this special honour on the regiment, and our residents showing the troops how highly thought of they are in Caerphilly county borough really helped to make the day a truly unforgettable one for all concerned.”
Among the soldiers on parade on Saturday were Corporal Joe Sale and Lieutenant Steve Healey, who only the day before were informed that they had been awarded the Military Cross and a Mention in Despatches respectively for their bravery in combat.
Speaking after the ceremony in Caerphilly town William Graham AM said: “Occasions like today give the public the opportunity to show their support for the selflessness and bravery of our troops.
“The large crowds the parade drew along the town’s Cardiff Road and War Memorial showed emphatically how much the people of Caerphilly and its surrounding area appreciate the challenging work that the troops undertake on our behalf.”
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