Oxfordshire today comes together for an occasion we hoped we would never see. The first repatriation of a British serviceman to RAF Brize Norton was always expected but it has sadly come much sooner than feared. From the testimony given by his friends, colleagues and family, Sergeant Barry Weston loved his family and loved to laugh.

Fellow Royal Marine, Corporal Dearan Withall said: “Thinking about him, two memories stand out automatically: his overwhelming love for his beautiful family and his infectious laugh.”

We call on Oxfordshire’s residents to turn out today to pay their respects. To paraphrase Royal British Legion Oxfordshire chairman Mike Henderson, Sgt Weston gave his life for the country and, therefore, should be supported.

As Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron said, West Oxfordshire has a long tradition of supporting the military.

In a powerful speech, the PM said: “The bond between the public and the armed forces runs very deep here, and from today it is going to get deeper.”

Mr Cameron was speaking at the opening of the memorial garden in Norton Way last Thursday.

The way we honour our fallen soldiers separates us from many other countries in the world and we can know that, with all the preparations, we have done Britain proud.

But today the reason for all the work will be brought home, as the memorial garden’s flag is lowered for the first time.