DESPITE not being sure initially, she is incredibly glad she paid Warrington a visit.

Barbara Borsodi is the daughter of an American test pilot, Major Frederic Borsodi, who was killed over Burtonwood when jet testing.

For the first time, she decided to visit England and specifically Callands Primary School after she had been sent pictures of the pupils making wreaths to commemorate fallen soldiers over the past four years.

“It’s incredibly special,” said Barbara.

“It wasn’t until I was 60-years-old that I really started to research my father and learn more about him.

“I was sent photos of the kids with the wreaths and I was absolutely blown away.

“I thought if these children can make a wreath for my father’s grave, I have got to come and thank them and it has been very special.

“Everybody has been so warm and expressing gratitude.”

She has been in contact with Burtonwood Association president Aldon Ferguson for a year and she was asked if she and her family would give permission to have a road named after her father - Borsodi Boulevard.

“We all agreed – it’s an honour,” continued Barbara.

“The truth is that it was very painful after he died. You pull back to protect yourself.

“I wasn’t sure about coming with the pandemic and renewing passports. I had never been to England, Burtonwood or my father’s grave.

“It’s a tiny place with mountains of history squashed into a small space.

“To be able to drive around the area where my father flew and the last plane flight occurred right outside Burtonwood meant I had to come.

“There is something about gratitude that is very reparative.”

 

Callands Primary school pupils have been making wreaths for four years

Callands Primary school pupils have been making wreaths for four years

The certificate of recognition given to Callands Primary School pupils for their efforts

The certificate of recognition given to Callands Primary School pupils for their efforts

 

Cathy Hammond, US Association Secretary, added: “We have been able to come full circle. For me, it’s a feel-good moment.

“You see the kids learning and they are the ones that are perpetuating your dad’s story and my dad’s story.

“The photo with the kids making the wreaths was the icing on the top – nobody else does that.

“It doesn’t get any better than that.”

 

The team also thanked the school on their visit

The team also thanked the school on their visit