Return of the Fallen
The repatriation of British soldiers’ bodies from Afghanistan goes against a long tradition of burying the war dead in some foreign field and brings the conflict closer to home, writes Nick Hewitt.
'The power and pathos of the occasion is in its simplicity; its peace and quiet in an angry world. And we, the people of Wootton Bassett, want it to stay exactly like that.' This plea appeared in a letter to the Guardian on July 6th, 2009, signed by the Mayor of Wootton Bassett and other civic leaders of the Wiltshire town. It was a heartfelt response to mounting media interest in the reception given by the townspeople to the repatriated bodies of service personnel killed on active service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Some commentators had questioned aspects of public behaviour, in particular applause or cheering. Others had suggested that the occasion should become more elaborate or formal. But before passing judgement we should pause to reflect. The people of Wootton Bassett are, on behalf of the nation, attempting to respond to a situation unprecedented in British history: the trickle home of the dead from an ongoing, morally questionable war of uncertain outcome.
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