Armistice day

[gordonmull]

it's a small miracle that we haven't had Challenger IIs firing on Downing Street yet

Well I wouldn't blame them.

I do know (from what is reported) some of the pressures the armed forces are under. Overstretched (even before afganistan and iraq), undermanned and underequipped as it is, with worse to come. I also understand that their employees are bound by their instructions from the government.

I still think the army's main purpose is to serve in defense of the realm. We have, as a (comparatively) rich western country, no need to project force of arms. The Empire is long over.

Perhaps one day it really will be 'never again' but until then, let us think of all those killed by war, be they soldiers or civilians, let us really think...and then one day, perhaps everyone will really think together...

I think you have hit the nail smack bang on the head and perhaps my initial argument was a little harsh. But the colour of the poppy grows redder and redder with every passing year. People really need to think. Especially the media. Glorifying folk who are out doing their job into hereos and making it romantic does not help. We're quick to put photos of victims of assault into the media and folk are quick to outrage - (look at what that b****** did to them!) What about graphic photos of every KIA/WIA? (obviously if family/injured agreed, not that HM Govt would!)

It might help people sit up and listen.

Yes war will always happen, but those nations that have suffered the absolute devestation of total war should know better and set an example to the rest of the world. I really do think that, mainsteam, the poppies growing in flanders fields have long been forgotten. It was a symbol of peace.

[Platapus]

Originally Posted by gordonmull

I still think the army's main purpose is to serve in defense of the realm. We have, as a (comparatively) rich western country, no need to project force of arms. The Empire is long over.

And sometimes the best defense is a good defense.

[saltysplash]

Originally Posted by gordonmull

Well I wouldn't blame them.

I do know (from what is reported) some of the pressures the armed forces are under. Overstretched (even before afganistan and iraq), undermanned and underequipped as it is, with worse to come. I also understand that their employees are bound by their instructions from the government.

I still think the army's main purpose is to serve in defense of the realm. We have, as a (comparatively) rich western country, no need to project force of arms. The Empire is long over.



I think you have hit the nail smack bang on the head and perhaps my initial argument was a little harsh. But the colour of the poppy grows redder and redder with every passing year. People really need to think. Especially the media. Glorifying folk who are out doing their job into hereos and making it romantic does not help. We're quick to put photos of victims of assault into the media and folk are quick to outrage - (look at what that b****** did to them!) What about graphic photos of every KIA/WIA? (obviously if family/injured agreed, not that HM Govt would!)

It might help people sit up and listen.

Yes war will always happen, but those nations that have suffered the absolute devestation of total war should know better and set an example to the rest of the world. I really do think that, mainsteam, the poppies growing in flanders fields have long been forgotten. It was a symbol of peace.

While I understand what your getting at Im afraid I dont feel the same way.

I dont see the media as glorifiying our military, I see it as supporting them and letting them know that they are not forgotten in what is a difficult and dangerous conflict. Not one of them should come home feeling alone and unappreciated.

Yes our forces are there to protect the homeland but we also have a wider responsibility under NATO and the UN and the International community to do our part.

Not every conflict is seen as justified by everyone, I have still yet to be convinced about Afganistan, However, my thought and support are with our men and women who find themselves over there.

As to Armistice day, for me it has always been about remembering all our fallen.
When Armistice day was first introduced following WW1 I doubt many wished to go through it all again, yet 20 years later the world was again fighting.

My own personal thoughts yesterday was for a friend who didnt return from the Falklands and a school mate who was badly injured in Belfast.

Theirs is the ultimate sacrifice and I for one am greatfull