CLAP FOR TOM
Captain Sir Tom Moore: Boris Johnson leads nation in clap to honour war hero and NHS
BRITAIN saluted hero Captain Sir Tom Moore last night with doorstep applause ringing out across the nation.
The 6pm tribute was led by Boris Johnson standing outside 10 Downing Street with partner Carrie Symonds.
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And among those joining in were Captain Tom’s daughter Hannah, grandchildren Benji and Georgia and son-in-law Colin in Marston Moretaine, Beds.
The family were said to be “incredibly touched” and Hannah was seen to wipe away a tear during the emotional tribute.
There was also clapping at Premier League matches and at Bedford hospital, where he died from Covid on Tuesday, aged 100.
Troops took part outside the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorks — where Captain Tom was made an honorary colonel last year.
He had captured the country’s hearts by raising £39million for NHS Charities Together by walking laps of his garden.
There are now calls for a permanent memorial to Captain Tom — such as a statue or renaming a hospital.
Ahead of the applause, a minute’s silence had been held in the Commons to remember him and all who have died in the pandemic.
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Echoing his catchphrase, PM Mr Johnson told MPs: “Captain Sir Tom Moore dedicated his life to serving his country and others.
“His was a long life, lived well whether during his time defending our nation, his time as an Army officer, or last year bringing the country together through his incredible fundraising drive for the NHS.
"As Captain Tom repeatedly reminded us, tomorrow will be a good day.
“He inspired the very best in us all and his legacy will continue to do so for generations to come.”
Later last night, Home Secretary Priti Patel told The Sun Captain Tom was a “hero for everybody”.
She said: “He was a light of inspiration at a time we have suffered a great deal individually and nationally over the last 12 months.
"He lifted the soul of the nation.”
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The Sun can reveal the Ministry of Defence is looking at plans for a ceremonial funeral.
And the news comes as a Sun survey showed 57 per cent want a hospital named in his honour.
Chris Curtis, of pollsters Opinium, said: “It demonstrates the positive and uplifting impact Captain Tom has had.”
Heart radio presenter and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden launched a petition for a statue outside Parliament.
Writing on the Change.org website, she described Captain Tom as “a national hero who brought us all together and shone so much light in such a dark time”.
She continued: “Let’s show generations to come what it was to be brave, courageous and spirited with a statue of Captain Sir Tom Moore outside the Houses of Parliament forever more.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock described Captain Tom as an “inspiration” and he promised: “I will ensure we mark his contribution properly and appropriately at the right moment.”
Read More on The Sun
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Last night, the PM said he “absolutely” backed calls for a permanent memorial to Captain Tom.
Mr Johnson told a No10 press conference: “We will be working with his family to see what is best to take forward.”
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The Sun Says
HOW moving last night’s national clap for Captain Tom was.
And how fitting it would be if a major hospital was renamed after him.
Better still, a new one built in his memory.
There are many excellent suggestions for marking the life and legacy of the 100-year-old war hero who raised so much for NHS staff and rallied the nation in the early days of this crisis.
But we have no doubt he would have preferred a new hospital to any number of statues or plaques . . .
No matter how much his admirable feats deserved those accolades too.
A look back at Sir Captain Tom's amazing achievements which captured the nation's hearts
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