J
The Chameleon
Well, other than the economic crisis - I want to touch on how it's treating it's veterans of wars and conflicts.
Next year, 06/06/2009, is the 65th anniversary of D-day, possibly the most important day in the modern history of our country and possibly the world.
That day, people like my Grandad, rushed ashore on beaches laid with wire and mines and bullets whizzing passed their ears, and people dropped from the skies out of burning planes knowing their life expectancy was less than 3 hours, if they survived the landning that is.
Next year, is the last major anniversary many of these HEROES will probably be able to make - A campaign was started to get as many over there as possible, with the help of government fundning...... Err no, not that last part actually. D-day was mainly the brits, yanks and canadians... The US and Canadian governments have pledged to help return heroes to the final resting place of many of their friends, round trips over 10,000 miles involved.. Where the brisith government cannot help ours cross 24 miles of water.
What a way to treat these heroes eh? What a **** take?
I feel the thing that takes the p!ss is the generations that have inherited their 'rights' and 'freedoms' from the likes of the old and bold when serving one's country meant fighting for one's survival and way of life kitted out with ammo boots, bolt action rifle and boyonet!
The thought of what the people endured for us makes my skin crawl and brings a lump to my throat. But regardless of this I am struck by the humility, humour and funnily enough, "normal-ness" of all the veterens I've come across. How they came through it I don't know - they are certainly stronger than me. Unfortunately they number fewer by the day; appreciate them while you still can.
But will the goverment do it? No... Of course they wont.
It makes my blood boil to think in 30/40 years time, the repeat process will be happening with current serving members. As we approach remembrance day, i urge, nay, i encourage you ALL - to buy poppies, thank the sellers, and if you ever see a hero, bloody well shake their hand and thank them - they gave it all, so we could have everything.
More should be done by the governments of the day to ensure that those that fought and toiled in these generations are allowed to live out their lives with comfort and dignity.
A little story -
Ted was in Royal Signals and ended up in the back of a glider on D Day, wrote a short book called "straight from the Horsa's" mouth which is a great account of his wartime life. He went on to serve through the the late 50's and then left to return to Sunderland. Eric was in Royal Artillery and went ashore on D Day, Eric kept a diary and just about every page contains the name of a friend who was killed. What always gets me thinking about these two lads is the fact that nothing phases them apart from the dissapointment at how the country is going and the "yoof" of today, no respect etc. Ted is a good old boy who doffs his cap for ladies in the street, that is until he got a load of verbal from a chav scroat. Eric was mugged last year and died early this year.
That ladies and Gentlemen, is where this country really is going wrong -
I will end on politics - Only in this country, will the families of suicide bombers get more compensation, more care, than a Soldier serving, or an ex soldier who served their country, so Suicide bomber families have the "right" to compensation.
Next year, 06/06/2009, is the 65th anniversary of D-day, possibly the most important day in the modern history of our country and possibly the world.
That day, people like my Grandad, rushed ashore on beaches laid with wire and mines and bullets whizzing passed their ears, and people dropped from the skies out of burning planes knowing their life expectancy was less than 3 hours, if they survived the landning that is.
Next year, is the last major anniversary many of these HEROES will probably be able to make - A campaign was started to get as many over there as possible, with the help of government fundning...... Err no, not that last part actually. D-day was mainly the brits, yanks and canadians... The US and Canadian governments have pledged to help return heroes to the final resting place of many of their friends, round trips over 10,000 miles involved.. Where the brisith government cannot help ours cross 24 miles of water.
What a way to treat these heroes eh? What a **** take?
I feel the thing that takes the p!ss is the generations that have inherited their 'rights' and 'freedoms' from the likes of the old and bold when serving one's country meant fighting for one's survival and way of life kitted out with ammo boots, bolt action rifle and boyonet!
The thought of what the people endured for us makes my skin crawl and brings a lump to my throat. But regardless of this I am struck by the humility, humour and funnily enough, "normal-ness" of all the veterens I've come across. How they came through it I don't know - they are certainly stronger than me. Unfortunately they number fewer by the day; appreciate them while you still can.
But will the goverment do it? No... Of course they wont.
It makes my blood boil to think in 30/40 years time, the repeat process will be happening with current serving members. As we approach remembrance day, i urge, nay, i encourage you ALL - to buy poppies, thank the sellers, and if you ever see a hero, bloody well shake their hand and thank them - they gave it all, so we could have everything.
More should be done by the governments of the day to ensure that those that fought and toiled in these generations are allowed to live out their lives with comfort and dignity.
A little story -
Ted was in Royal Signals and ended up in the back of a glider on D Day, wrote a short book called "straight from the Horsa's" mouth which is a great account of his wartime life. He went on to serve through the the late 50's and then left to return to Sunderland. Eric was in Royal Artillery and went ashore on D Day, Eric kept a diary and just about every page contains the name of a friend who was killed. What always gets me thinking about these two lads is the fact that nothing phases them apart from the dissapointment at how the country is going and the "yoof" of today, no respect etc. Ted is a good old boy who doffs his cap for ladies in the street, that is until he got a load of verbal from a chav scroat. Eric was mugged last year and died early this year.
That ladies and Gentlemen, is where this country really is going wrong -
I will end on politics - Only in this country, will the families of suicide bombers get more compensation, more care, than a Soldier serving, or an ex soldier who served their country, so Suicide bomber families have the "right" to compensation.
