This series of photographs show The Rifles marching along Church Road and through Stockton Town Centre before being granted freedom to the entry of the Borough outside of the Town Hall in a formal presentation and civic reception on September 9th 2010. After the parade The Rifles Band played in Stockton Parish Gardens.
Following re-organisation of the British Army, the Light Infantry became part of a new regiment, The Rifles, which is now the largest Infantry Regiment in the Army. The Light Infantry was granted Freedom of the Borough of Stockton in 1977.
I was in Stockton watching the parade and felt overwhelmed with the occasion, it was so nice that the people of Stockton came out in their thousands to welcome our brave troops. Even the old veterans looked smart and proud to be there – bless them. I’m so glad the weather held out for the occasion. I still believe strongly that our troops should not be there but bless them all.
Magnificent parade soldiers – so brave, so young. I felt so proud even the veterans brought a lump to my throat. Whether you believe in this war or not you cannot be anything but proud of these troops.
British soldiers – the best in the world!