A lengthy note of thanks - quite literally

[Anth]

A patriotic American George Jackson has sent a rather unusual thank you gift to British troops in Basrah, Iraq, for helping the US in the war on terror.

Staff stretching out the scroll in the foyer of the Division Headquarters at Basrah Air Station.
[Picture: Press Information Centre Basrah]

George has put together a 303-foot paper scroll covered with hand written 'thank you' messages from fellow Americans. But how the scroll made it to Basrah is an interesting tale in itself. George wasn't sure who or where to send the scroll to so he decided to start at the very top - he contacted Buckingham Palace.

Within 12 days he was thrilled to receive a letter back from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, which was sent to his home in the US. Appropriately named, George lives in American Corner, Maryland. The massive scroll, which includes such messages as "It’s about time we thanked the British", was then routed through to the Headquarters of Multi-National Division South-East in Basrah, the area where many British troops operate.

George explained:

"I have always wanted to do a scroll for British troops ever since 2001 when I saw that the first (as always) country to offer to help our country was the British. Your brave boys have stayed the course.

"When I begin a 'scroll-drive' I set a finish date. Your scroll began at a strawberry festival on May 28 at Ridgeley Maryland and was finished during the first week of July at Easton, Maryland."

So how does George get so many well wishers to sign his scrolls?

"I take them to large events or set up in shopping-malls and even a baseball game," explained George.

Although the signatures and messages are mainly from Maryland, many visitors from around the US were also keen to show their support. Both the Governor of Maryland and his Deputy had happily added their messages to the epic scroll.

In fact, sending scrolls is no new venture for patriotic George and his wife, Shirley, who have reeled off 150 such scrolls in the past 11 years. They have been sent to American troops serving in far-flung places as a morale booster to assure the troops that they are supported by the folk back home. George added:

"I did my first scroll for US Troops deployed to Bosnia in 1995. I handed the scroll to Brigadier General Mike Boots on December 14, who handed it to a Captain and simply said ‘Bosnia tonight’. I knew there would be smiles on the faces of those far from home that Christmas."

On receiving the scroll, General Officer Commanding Multi-National Division South-East Major General Richard Shirreff CBE, expressed his gratitude at the gesture:

"It shows remarkable generosity from the people of Maryland and terrific solidarity from a great ally. It is very much appreciated."

MoD News Link

[dunc3040]

as a serving british soldier who has done 2 tours in iraq i say gee thanks mate

[Snowden]

I'm sorry the scroll didn't make it to Cambridge. Both my husband and I would have signed it! Cambridge is about 20 minutes SE of Easton.

[dunc3040]

i was being sarcastic it is a nice thought from your people but the troops further north wont know about it let alone see it again its nice to be thought of shame our own people dont think the same .