Sorry for the lack of posting here over the last couple of weeks. I've been very busy with work. I suppose I should be thankful, given that many people are out of work or worried about their jobs, but it doesn't leave much time for blogging or keeping up to date with the news.
Which is why I almost forgot that today is Armed Forces Day.
That said, you could be forgiven for not knowing about Armed Forces Day at all. Our media have been too busy producing eight-page spreads and rolling news bulletins about the death of a neurotic pop star to say much about honouring our armed forces.
Despite the lack of publicity, people have organised hundreds of events which are taking place today and over the next week or so. There's a full list here.
Some on the left have attempted to paint Armed Forces Day as a government ploy to gain legitimacy for its actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. That's not what it's about.
I have mixed feelings about the venture in Iraq but that's what our elected government decided to do and our troops just had to get on with it. It is mean spirited to use that as an excuse to undermine brave men and women who, regardless of their personal views, were doing their duty.
So raise a glass to the members of our armed forces or, better still, buy them a drink if you can get along to one of the events. It's important to show that most ordinary people support the armed forces, even if some of our so-called opinion formers don't.
Exactly so - even if I couldn't get to a fun event that had parachute jumps or vintage aircraft. I had to make do with 10 minutes by the War Memorial with our vicar and the British Legion.
I'll give my husband a bottle of beer when he gets in 'tho and if he is really good I won't burn his dinner.
Posted by: Esmerelda Weatherwax | 27 June 2009 at 05:25 PM
I am sorry to rain on anyone's parade but I refuse to hve anything to do with the whole sick, cynical charade of armed forces day, which in anyway to me seems highly un-British, belonging more in the United States and the more militaristic parts og Europe and Latin America. I shall istead continue to honour our armed forces in the traditional way of wearing my poppy and keeping the two minutes silence on Armistice Day.
I will spare you a long rant and instead point you at Max Hastings' excellent piece in yesterday's Daily Mail, I agree with everything he has to say:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1195858/MAX-HASTINGS-A-sick-joke-Government-sent-troops-die-starved-money-today-Britains-Armed-Forces-Day.html
Posted by: Moomintroll | 28 June 2009 at 10:47 AM
I heartily agree with moomintroll.
It's an excuse for window-dressing, whilst our armed forces are neglected an run-down.
WHEN the war with the muslim loonies comes, and the Western half (at least) of the Indian Ocean is closed to our shipping, then where will the successive Navy cuts (started by the madwoman from Grantham, remember) get us, other than starvation?
Posted by: Greg Tingey | 29 June 2009 at 08:29 AM