TWO years ago, the people of Abingdon were cruelly slurred when a national newspaper claimed they had snubbed troops serving their country.

Photos of seemingly empty streets in the town were published.

The truth was very different but, unfortunately, mud sticks. Four Logistic Support Regiment did not want a big turnout that day because they still had hundreds of colleagues serving in Iraq, and it was the funeral of a comrade.

Tomorrow, this undeserving stain on the good name of Abingdon can be washed away.

More than 300 servicemen and women from 3 and 4 Logistic Support Regiments who are based at Dalton Barracks will exercise their right of the freedom of the borough, with their colours flying and bayonets fixed.

Tomorrow will be a perfect opportunity for those who live in the town and further afield to pay tribute not only to those Dalton Barracks personnel, but also all our servicemen and women.

And it would set the record straight two years on.