Honouring courage and sacrifice

TRADITIONALLY, the Royal British Legion has recruited showbiz stars to heighten the profile of its annual poppy appeal. This year was no exception, with World War II forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn joining young soprano Hayley Westenra in a rendition of the wartime classic We’ll Meet Again. Ironically and tragically, at almost the same time, news was filtering through from Afghanistan of the death of another British soldier in Helmand Province, the fourth to lose his life so far this month.

It speaks volumes for the short memories and indifference of some sections of society that the launch of such a highly-symbolic annual appeal requires an all-singing, all-dancing accompaniment to encourage people to spend even a nominal amount to remember those who have died serving their country.

Many are opposed to the ongoing war effort in Afghanistan, but it is not the servicemen and women out there who should be the target of their ire. As next month’s Remembrance Sunday draws ever closer, it is important that a clear distinction is made between the political and the military aspects of the conflict. Contempt for the politicians should not detract from the courage and sacrifices of the soldiers on the front line. This year, more than ever, we should remember them.