Many of us were disgusted and appalled by the desecration of a war memorial by a drunken lout and we read, in horror, of the verbal attacks on a returning British soldier who had lost limbs while fighting for his country.
Yet these remain isolated incidents and our Armed Forces retain the overwhelming support of the public – far more than many others in public service and it’s not hard to see why.
There will be very few families, streets or communities that do not have someone who has served, is serving or is hoping to serve our country and perhaps, to make the ultimate sacrifice.
My late father-in-law, Ian Fraser, was awarded a VC for his bravery in the Second World War. My brother serves in the Army and my son is, as I type, undertaking the kind of training for the services that would challenge an Olympic athlete.
Photo from left to right: Leah Fraser (Prospective Conservative MP for Wallasey), Edna Goffey (President and Chairman of the Poppy Appeal), The Mayor of Wirral (Councillor Andrew Hodson), Betsy Williams (Chairman of Wallasey British Legion) and Keith Woodward (Poppy Appeal Organiser).
Last week, I was proud to take part in the launch of Wirral’s Poppy Appeal with the Mayor and members of the Royal British Legion. This year’s appeal is to raise money for troops wounded in Afghanistan and the families of those killed in the conflict which is largely funded by donations and fundraising efforts of supporters.
Like every other Borough, the appeal will be supported by a cross-section of the community – all done by putting cash in a collecting box or, this year, a Twibbon on Twitter or a page on Facebook.
At a time when so much is needed to control public spending, it is important for the morale of the current and future service personnel, that they face battle with the all the protection and equipment that they deserve. What they don’t need is the dogs’ breakfast of the Government’s policy towards the TA.
The work of our Military Covenant Commission outlines a series of recommendations, not least how we respect our veterans and care for the bereaved of those who are killed.
On Sunday 8 November, as I stand on a no-doubt windy promenade in Wallasey, laying a wreath to honour those who have fallen, I will ask myself the question: “They’re doing their duty. Are we doing ours?”
( 7 comments ) Tags: Military Covenant Commission, Poppy Appeal, Wallasey
Pingback by Why the Poppy Appeal matters « Leah Fraser on October 28, 2009 at 12:57 pm
[...] Why the Poppy Appeal matters 2009 October 28 tags: Blue Blog, Poppy Appeal by Leah Fraser This article is taken from the Conservative Party’s Blue Blog [...]
Comment by TREVOR PEAT on October 29, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Leah , my farther was also in the second world war and it’s so sad that the youth of today do not appreciate the sacrifice of the fallen soldier . The sound of the last post alway’s bring’s a tear to my eye as my farther told me when you hear that at night you know you are safe . We are all safe through there endless courage .
Comment by ralph mchendry on October 30, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Many more younger people wear the poppy, presumably because of the war in Afghanistan, and the immediate impact on them and their families. What doesn’t seem to change is the ability of politicians to send people to injury and death abroad, while they stay safe at home, claiming expenses and then whinging when they’re caught out. Let’s all vomit together, 1, 2 ,3……
Comment by Mr Bilham on November 1, 2009 at 4:41 am
There are going to be times when the hard decision to send our brave troops into war is made, and I am so glad I do not actually have to reach that difficult decision. I’m sure whoever is in Government make the decision for the ‘right reasons’ on all our behalf – but that is their job, and even though, sadly, the ‘war’ continues and there doesn’t seem to be any conclusion to its end, I do wish the troops every success and safe return home every night.
Now I don’t know how many MPs actually attend the funerals of soldiers lost, but I do hope a gesture is made out of respect, and not merely out of media interest. However the ‘gesture made’ should not be at the expense of the British Tax payer.
When I read that a Labour MP in the past has claimed on their expenses for a wreath, it turns my stomach.
But that’s Labour for you.
Comment by ethan thomson on November 3, 2009 at 5:14 pm
the poppy appeal needs our support so try to donate at least £2 a week
Pingback by Remembrance Day « Leah Fraser on November 8, 2009 at 10:44 pm
[...] from the Conservative Party’s Blue Blog - Why the Poppy Appeal Matters. Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Remembrance And RebuildingWor [...]
Comment by Geoff Parke on February 28, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Good luck in your Election Campain for a NEW GOVERMENT – AND A NEW WAY FORWARD! You will get my vote – IF YOU WALK THE TALK!! GOOD LUCK. Geoff Parke representing the Royal British Legion in U. K.