ARMED FORCES DAY

June 27, 2009 at 8:36 am

I am sure that The All Seeing Eye would be drawing your attention to the fact that today is the inaugural Armed Forces Day here in Blighty.

Crowds are flocking to events the length and breadth of the UK to
pay homage to veterans and British troops serving on operations around the world. In Afghanistan, where around 9,000 British troops are
serving, flags were raised in a series of events in celebration of the event.

Let me take a moment out from my day to put on record my admiration for our warrior class – the men and women who still value patriotism and who defend our liberty here and abroad. You know when I think back over the years here in Northern Ireland and think of the sacrifices made by the British Army fighting terrorism here, I stand humbled and indebted. One contrasts the bravery and nobility of the men and women in uniform with the craven duplicity of the current political class who let them down by refusing to pay them a decent salary and by refusing to give them the very best in equipment when they enter battle zones. The best of British are found in the Armed Forces and I hope they all have a great day! On behalf of my colleagues here at the All Seeing Eye – we salute you.