D-DAY commemorations and the recent debate on the re-branding of Teesside Airport bring sharply into focus the freedoms we enjoy thanks to the sacrifices of others.

Today, we argue freely about the best name to entice foreigners to fly into this corner of England - 60 years ago brave young men took off from the same spot determined to repel unwanted visitors from these shores.

From Middleton St George airfield, the site that is now Teesside Airport, 1,266 airmen - spanning several nationalities - flew to their deaths in defence of Britain. Similar sacrifices were made from several other wartime airfields nearby.

There is the odd plaque to these brave men, a memorial here and there, like the handsome one on the A167 at Dalton-on-Tees.

But I know I am not alone in thinking that more should be done to honour these brave souls, to ensure the values they stood for are recognised and passed on to future generations.

That's why I support the The Northern Echo's commendable campaign to honour the memory of Andrew Mynarski VC, a Canadian who perished during a sortie from Middleton St George.

It is entirely appropriate that local authorities within this region be asked to contribute, because they now represent the democracy that millions died for.

And what better place to show our deep gratitude than the international gateway to the Tees Valley. Let every visitor who flies in or out of our local airport know that we will never forget those who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.

Let us show the people of Winnipeg and the rest of Canada that we remain forever indebted to the sacrifice made by their sons, in much the same way as the villages of Northern France honour the memories of the foreign souls who perished at The Somme or during D-Day and the ensuing push for freedom.

If Andrew Mynarski was unique as the only VC recipient who flew from what became a commercial airport, the "right stuff" of which he was made was clearly evident in many others within the Allied ranks.

That's why this memorial should be seen, not only as a reminder of the bravery of one man, but as a memorial to the courage of all who flew from North-East airfields.

I'm glad to hear that aspects of the wartime years, including the Home Front, now form part of the National Curriculum, but education is far more relevant to children if they can relate to it.

Youngsters could visit the wartime airfields of Croft, Topcliffe and elsewhere, whilst being told of the part this neck of the woods played in the fight for freedom. And how gratifying it would be if families paused before jetting off from the airport to some sunny destination so that the children could inform their parents of the history behind the statue.

The moving coverage of the anniversary of D-Day has focused people's minds and The Northern Echo deserves great credit for raising public awareness of this local sacrifice.

How fitting it would be if the money could be raised and the statue in place to coincide with next year's 60th anniversary of VE day and the end of the last world conflict.

I urge everyone in the region to support this appeal.

Published: 11/06/2004