Today, on Armistice Day, we honour the brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and veterans who have played a vital role in the defence of the United Kingdom.
We should recognise how fortunate we are, as a country, to have such wonderful men and women in uniform, from all walks of life, and with families that give such unconditional support for what they do from day to day.
We owe it to our Armed Forces and our veterans to show how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make to ensure our security and freedom at home. While we mark the contribution of our Armed Forces and our veterans for this one day, let us not forget that the brave men and women in uniform who serve in the military are there for us every single day of the year.
I challenge every reader to do something, in any way you feel appropriate, to show your appreciation for our Armed Forces and veterans. Attend a welcome home parade, a memorial ceremony, or simply say “thank you” to a service member or their family. Something so little will go such a long way to show how much we appreciate our debt.
( 6 comments ) Tags: armistice
Comment by Tommy on November 11, 2009 at 11:55 am
Lest we forget: http://wp.me/pC12d-24
Comment by David Stanway on November 12, 2009 at 7:51 pm
The MOD Bonuses have rightly been criticised,but defended by Ministers.What intrigues me is how can a “Productivity Bonus” be paid to a department that has lost hundreds of millions on “Non Contracts and delayed deliveries, be inline for a productivity bonus when it is patently clear that they haven’t produced? I served for 23 years and know all about buying my own equipment. We never get to hear the soldiers point of view because they are told what to say, and the ones that would speak out are not allowed anywhere near a politician or a television camera. Why is it called PMQs when the questions rarely get answers? and the PM is let get away with it. How can disgraced ministers who have had to resign be brought back, elevated to the Lords without any member of the public having an input or bieng able to protest. Mandleson will still be a Lord long after the Labour Party have gone and he was caught out twice. How is this?
Comment by Dave Sandy on November 13, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I believe that as a country and as a government we have shown nothing but contempt to the men and women who make their contribution to our defense. Far too much belief in the beaurocrats and not in our soldiers. They are the quality men and women who do the tough hard work which is not sitting in some Safe Whitehall desk where the City of London police are responsible for catching bombers and evacuating offices when in danger. It is clear that the people of this country want to do more for our Forces and I mean Our Troops! So Why is that second rate minister in charge able to spend a £6m parliamentary communications cudget on Media properganda? Will the people of Covenrtry north east wake up and get out there and vote this not so good ex shop steward out! They deserve better from their MP!
Comment by Linda Henry on November 15, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Michael Wale on his Saturday slot on LBC read an article from a local newspaper which was profoundly shocking in regard to a member of our troops in Afghanistan.
The man was hungry and eating insufficient amounts of food and also had not been provided with basic things like towels and some equipment! His concerned family, friends and girlfriend had sent approximately 12 parcels to aid him none of which he had received.
The article quoted a military postal source as saying many parcels of this type were lost. This must be prevalent to many of our troops and is frankly appalling for various reasons.
In the first place why is there a need for these type of parcels also where are these parcels ending up, shrugging shoulders and saying many get lost is an acceptance of something totally wrong in the military postal system. Very concerning getting closer to Christmas.
Dr Fox you spoke really well at the Conservative dinner in Croydon forwarding an eloquent response to my question. it is reassuring to know that David Cameron has a strong front bench team now it is up to him to let the electorate see more of that team and for him personally to communicate the party policy/message in a clear way that people understand but without the glitzy spin.
I was frankly appalled that my companion at the dinner felt that Gordon Brown was a good chancellor and had to explain why he was not!
Comment by Philip Gribble on December 1, 2009 at 8:17 pm
It would be nice to hear from Gerald Howarth regarding defence. I would also point out that to prove that defence matters and is important it will require one full time minister and preferably not a Scot. Please don’t go down the road of cut backs in the forces. The one area where extra spending will reap realisable benefits. Can we also send equipment out to the troops on the request of Army leaders and not distraught Mums
Comment by tony on January 4, 2010 at 7:36 pm
dear sir
i hope after hearing gordon brown that the march at wootton bassett was inappropiate
that david can stand on tv and radio and say this will never under our leadership happen or is david the same as the rest and say it is democracy we need someone like david if he wants my vote then let him speak open and firm about this parade
many thanks tony