On Armed Forces Day 2010, Thursday 24th June, the 2nd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) were welcomed home following six months in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The Battalion exercised its freedom of the Borough in a parade with colours flying and bayonets fixed from the Princess Diana bridge, along Church Road and up the High Street. Upon reaching the High Street, the troops received the freedom scroll in a formal Town Hall presentation and a civic reception. 
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I was very proud to see them coming home, I enjoyed that day. I went with my school which is Bishopsgarth school. I felt realy special from where I was sat because I was with loads of important people and I enjoyed it – well done lads!!
THE GREEN HOWARDS WERE GRANTED THE FREEDOM OF TEESSIDE IN THE SEVENTIES IF MY MEMORY
SERVES ME RIGHT. AFTER THE PARADE MY BROTHER WHO SERVED IN THE GREEN HOWARDS ARRANGED
TO MEET ME IN A LOCAL WORKINGMENS CLUB. HE WAS IN FULL UNIFORM DISPLAYING HIS CAMPAIGN
MEDALS, HE ARRIVED AT THE CLUB, PRODUCED HIS I.D.CARD AND WAS TOLD BY THE DOORMAN THAT
HE COULD NOT BE ADMITTED AS THEY DID NOT ACCEPT FORCES I.D.CARDS AS A WAY OF ENTRY INTO
THE CLUB. I WAS CALLED TO THE DOOR TO SIGN HIM INTO THE CLUB, I EXPLAINED THAT AS A MEMBER
OF THE GREEN HOWARDS THEY HAD BEEN GRANTED THE FREEDOM OF TEESSIDE, BUT THE DOORMAN SAID
THAT RULES WERE RULES. I DON’T THINK THAT SITUATION WOULD ARISE NOW!
I was in town from about 7.15am, decorating our stand with flags, posters etc. I was so proud of the folks of Stockton for supporting the boys and girls on Parade. I am in the WRAC (Womens Royal Army Corps) Association and support the troops whenever we can. Didn’t they all look smart?
Sorry folks but Armed Forces day was Saturday June 26th with large turn outs all over the country including Teesside. The March past and Freedom of the borough ceremony on Thursday June 24th was to honour the lads of the Rifles or Green Howards as we know them locally. I was there with my Grandchildren and was amazed at the crowds that turned up, well done people of Stockton. As an ex WO1 it was an automatic reflex to run an eye over the ranks to check for drill and turnout, it was perfect, plenty of swank as we called it and why not, they were among their own people who appreciate what they do. Whether it is right or wrong is for others to decide but the lads, as did all those before them, do their duty without question. Well done lads and lasses and well done Stockton for letting them know we do appreciate them.
The Armed Forces Day version of the Union flag was flying over the Town Hall.
Was the union flag flying on the day? I can’t quite see from the picture of the town house.
We waved from our office windows! Does anyone know when the last military parade was?
Amazing photographs, thanks so much for sharing these with everyone! I missed it, but looks like it went very well.
It was a priviledge to witness the wonderful homecoming the residents of Stockton gave to these brave lads. Heroes every one.
The troops had a great turn out, we are proud of what they a doing over in Afghanistan. Fans cheered and waved the Union Jack Flag and the George cross flags. They marched to cheers and clapping and then got the biggest three cheers of ‘hip hip hooray’ that was deafening. There was also plenty of school children to see the soldiers start their parade on Princess Diana bridge. The children had made banners reading ‘welcome home lads’ or ‘thank you to our soldiers’.
We are so proud of every single one of you – may you always be safe.