Saturday 24 June 2017

Armed Forces Day


Today, Saturday, 24 June is British Armed Forces Day. It is easy to forget, immersed in the routine minutiae of daily life, that good men and women are in harm's way 24/7 on our behalf. Today, especially,  they are remembered and saluted for their service and sacrifices. Thank you.  




Image credits: All via web





6 comments:

Dan Salamone said...

Though an American, thanks for posting this Nick. Far too few citizens of western nations appreciate the daily sacrifice our men and women in uniform endure for our safety.

Dan

Straggler 脱走兵 said...

Thanks Dan. There is a film "Kajaki The True Story" (2014) which demonstrates that daily sacrifice all too graphically, about a patrol of the Parachute Regiment which is inadvertantly caught in an old Soviet minefield in Afghanistan. It is a most realistic and powerful portrayal of British Army soldiering, not least for the banter and even humour that accompanies that grim situation. It is not easy watching but inspires admiration and humility in equal measure, especially when the real participants and their life changing injuries are shown at the end. Recently on TV here the life of a Royal Marine who had lost both legs and his right arm was featured. He had more than lived up to that military adage to "improvise, adapt and overcome" and, boy, how he had overcome. A father of three re-united with his children and a wife who stood by him, determined to live his life to the full and on behalf of those others who had been maimed like himself.

Regards
Nick

Dan Salamone said...

Thanks for this Nick. I recall back in 2003 when I was attending classes at a local college near Fort Carson, and having classmates who were spouses of soldiers about to deploy to Iraq. The look of fear and uncertainty will last with me forever. Such a small percentage of our population makes this sacrifice, they need to be acknowledged and valued daily.

Richard said...

Nick,

Thank you for posting this. As an US Soldier, I have served with them in Afghanistan. My salutes to them!

Richard

Richard said...

Nick,

Thank you for posting this, I have served alongside with the British armed forces in Afghanistan.

Dan,

Thank you for your comments. I will never forget the look on my family's faces when I returned home safe.

Richard

Dan Salamone said...

Richard, thank you for your service!

Dan