At the 2003 Annual Reunion of the 81st Fighter Wing Association in Dayton Ohio, it was decided to present a plaque to Iken Church. The plaque will be a reminder of the friendship shown towards the visiting USAF, and will be displayed in the church that was a helpful landmark for many pilots returning to RAF Bentwaters.
General Ben Cassidy handing the plaque to Norman Rose, for him
to carry the plaque back to the United Kingdom, tasked with arranging
the presentation to Iken church.
The presentation party arrive at St. Botolph's Church,
Iken at 11:30 gmt on 25 November 2003. After several days of persistent
rain, the day was rain-free but with a very cold wind. Because
of lighting considerations, it was decided to hold the presentation
outside the south entrance porch.
The presentation party, left to right, Norman Rose, Bobby Bennett,
Bob Hales (Sgt., USAF, ret.), Park Sims (Lt. Col., USAF, ret.),
Al Brown (Lt. Col., USAF, ret.). Norman gave a short introduction
explaining the background to the presentation.
Park Sims addressed the gathering and made the presentation of the plaque.
Read the text of the address here
See a short video (4.4Mb download) of Sims reading the plaque citation, here.
The Reverend Canon Robert Clifton, accompanied by churchwarden
Louise Cooke, accepting the plaque.
The plaque, whose inscription reads
"In appreciation of your kindness
and your gracious acceptance of our people in your church, we present
this little memento. This is late in concept but heartfelt by all
of us from our arrival in 1951 and our final departure in 1993.
81st
Fighter Wing"
The Rev. Clifton, looking jolly pleased with the
occasion.
Park Sims hands the microphone to the
Rev. Clifton, who made the acceptance speech and led prayers
for those who served, and those who still serve, in defence of the
free world.
Park Sims and Norman Rose hold the plaque in the place where it will be mounted, in the south entrance porch, where all who enter can see it, surmounted by the flags of our two great nations.
See a short video ( about 4.4mb download) of Park Sims reading the citation.
Click image for a larger version
"Read all about it"
Norman Rose's contacts with the East Anglian
Daily Times (EADT),
helped him get the story in the region's best known newspaper on
27 November 2003.