Our armed forces respected worldwide
IN a recent letter I mentioned soldiers of our local regiment, the Mercians, attending this past week’s Armed Forces flag-raising ceremony.
It’s also worth reminding ourselves that such brave young men as these are soon to be deployed to Cyprus, not for their annual “jolly”, although I wish them all well on that score!
Our precious soldiers could be soon again in Afghanistan, at the behest of the American general in charge of training the Afghan military.
Our thin red line is stretched across the world, keeping a watchful eye in Eastern Europe, plus providing support to the animal rangers in Africa, protecting animals such as the depleted rhino and elephant herds against the constant attacks from ivory poachers and such like, whilst supporting humanitarian aid to countries savaged by war, Syria, Iraq, and Libya to mention just a few.
Ships and Aircraft patrol our seas and skies, deterring any would be aggressor, whilst providing logistical help to the many areas stricken by nature’s hand. Just recently we have learned that a huge fire within our own heartland has necessitated an urgent request for our armed forces to join with local fire brigades in tackling an extremely large moorland fire.
Only on Saturday, whilst sat outside in my back garden, enjoying a bit of the summer sun, I was alerted to the roar of aircraft engines. Looking up I saw two of the RAF’S memorial flight, the Spitfire and Hurricane, flying in the sky above, a reminder of how valuable and precious our armed forces are, coveted and respected the world over.
John M. Parr, Sheringham Close
Nottingham