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Tony’s parents, Sheryl and Ronnie, with the American flag.
Touching tribute to brave soldier
Pete Bainbridge30/ 1/2008
THE PARENTS of a former Rainow schoolboy killed serving in Afghanistan have received a touching gift from an American soldier who fought alongside him.
Guardsman Neil "Tony" Downes was killed by a landmine while on patrol in the volatile Helmand Province on June 9, last year.
The brave 20-year-old – who dreamed of being in the army even as a youngster when he lived with his parents and siblings above a Macclesfield pub – made national headlines after it was discovered he had penned heart-rending letters to his girlfriend and parents to be opened if he died.
Seven months after Tony’s death, his mum Sheryl and dad Ronnie, former tenants of the Durham Ox, on Hurdsfield Road, have been given an American flag from a soldier who served with him.
Captain Hoyt Cruze sent a letter with the flag. He said: "Your son Tony is one of those that I have had the greatest honour to work with during my year here.
"He was a true professional and a great man. I wish there were more like him in my own army."
He went on: "In honour of his sacrifice for not only the United Kingdom, but for all those who stand against the Taliban here in Afghanistan, I have flown an American flag."
Moved by the gift, Mrs Downes said: "It amazed us that people are still thinking of him.
"To some people it might only be a flag, but to us it means the world. It says a lot about my son. He was a loving son, he was always smiling."
Captain Cruze added: "No matter how bad or how stressful the situation was here, whenever I saw Tony he was happy and performed well under pressure."
The Ministry of Defence said Guardsman Downes’ vehicle was hit by an explosion while on a patrol with the Afghan National Army close to the town of Sangin.
Tony wrote heart-rending letters to his family, to be opened only after his death.
He wrote to his parents: "Don’t be sad.
"Celebrate my life because I love you and I will see you all again." He told his girlfriend: "All I wanna say is how much I loved you and cared for you. I will be watching over you always. I will love you forever and will see you again when you are old and wrinkly."
Tony, who moved to Manchester with his family after living in Macclesfield, joined the Army in 2004, aged 17, after achieving 16 GCSEs at Middleton Technology College.
He had already completed one tour in Iraq with the Grenadier Guards in 2006.
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31/01/2008 at 12:35
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