A Lichfield walkway has been named after a soldier shot dead by the IRA in the city more than 20 years ago.
Private Robert Davies was 19 when a gunman killed him at Lichfield City Railway Station on June 1, 1990.
A street naming ceremony and dedication took place this morning as Robert Davies Walk was officially unveiled.
A lone piper played a lament to welcome members of Lichfield District Council, civic dignitaries, army personnel and representatives from the clergy, who were invited for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Robert’s parents, Des and Helen Davies, along with his sister and brother in law, Andrea and Alun Williams, travelled from Wales to attend the event.
The family said: “We can still feel Robert in Lichfield, as this was the last place we saw him.
“It means a lot to us that he has been remembered in this way. We would like to thank the people of Lichfield for making us feel so welcome and for this beautiful dedication. Everybody has been so kind.”
Reverend Linda Collins, from St Michael’s Church in Lichfield, led the service of dedication. It included a prayer, read by Reverend Jonathan Daniel of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, a poem, Ode of Remembrance, that was recited by Tony Robinson Chairman of the Royal British Legion, and the cutting of the ribbon by the chairman of the council, which marked the opening of the walkway.
Councillor Bernard Derrick, chairman of Lichfield District Council, said: “I was honoured to welcome assembled guests to the street naming ceremony and to cut the ribbon to officially launch Robert Davies Walk.
“It was a moving dedication, and I am pleased Private Robert Davies’ name will not be forgotten by the people of Lichfield, who will remember how this young man sadly lost his life.”
