Armed forces personnel fully deserve our respect

SEEING a big crowd gather at Toowoomba’s Mothers’ Memorial really warmed my heart.

Unfortunately due to work commitments I was unable to attend a Remembrance Day service yesterday but I did pause for a minute’s silence as a show of respect.

Some days I regret that I never followed in the footsteps of my father who served in the army for more than 20 years.

In my youth I dreamt of becoming a pilot – working alongside people like my dad who was an aircraft technician.

I have no regrets choosing the path I did though because it has been an exciting and fulfilling career so far.

And that is why I pay my respects to our armed forces personnel whenever I can.

People like my father, great grandfather, other members of my family and some very close friends have sacrificed so much by joining the armed forces.

Some of them paid the ultimate price but sacrifice isn't just about death.

Every soldier deserves our respect because they have sacrificed something in their lives so that others may live out their dreams.

Too often we are quick to criticise soldiers but they are simply doing what they feel is right.

Standing tall so that others may live the lives they desire.