Moving day for aircrew association members

A SAFFRON Walden-based aircrew association was invited to lay a wreath as part of American Memorial Day last week. Representing the Northwest Essex and East Herts Branch of the ACA at the event held at Madingley was branch president, Air Vice-Marshal Alan

A SAFFRON Walden-based aircrew association was invited to lay a wreath as part of American Memorial Day last week.

Representing the Northwest Essex and East Herts Branch of the ACA at the event held at Madingley was branch president, Air Vice-Marshal Alan Merriman, secretary John Gerrard and treasurer Denis Baxter.

In a moving ceremony, 111 wreaths were laid in memory of almost 4000 Americans buried at Madingley and 80,000 with no known grave who are remembered on "The Wall of the Missing".

The Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire represented Her Majesty the Queen. The American Charge d'Affaires, Richard LeBaron, laid the first wreath and Air Vice Marshal Merriman laid the ACA wreath. The guest of honour was Jonna Doolittle Hoppes, the grand daughter of General Doolittle.

The ceremony ended with a fly-by by F-15C fighters from Lakenheath in the "Missing Man" formation.