Not losing focus

Today throughout the British Isles people will be taking the time to remember those who have given their lives in the service of their country, praying for those who have served, praying for those who serve today and praying for peace in this troubled world of ours.

Each year I am privileged to lead an ANZAC Day service, the coming of age of two young nations and an example of ways in which success can be turned into tragedy as men are landed at the foot of cliffs rather than on the beach across whose shores progress was assured. Organisational folly matched by extreme courage and bravery. War is certainly not glorified here - but we honour those who went knowing full well what the reality is.

Each year we add names to the Armed Forces Memorial. Names of those who have died whilst on active service. Some names, like perhaps Olaf Schmidt, make the headlines. Others like Flight Lieutenant Michael Blee, who died flying a cadet on an Air Experience Flight might not have the same news attention, but is another whose name we remember today.

Perhaps Op Telic and people like Second Lieutenant Joanna Yorke Dyer, Corporal Kris O'Neill, Private Eleanor Dlugosz and Kingsman Adam James Smith come to mind.

Or from Op Herrick we might be thinking of people like Matt Lindly, a bomb disposal officer and a man who typifies courage as every move could be their last and yet the work to protect civillians (Linley was awarded the George Cross for his courage and life-saving acts) continues despite the personal risks.

Others who perhaps aren't recognised as heroes are the SF soldier who dies after leaving the service, the Scene of crimes officer who died after an IRA bomb detonated and many more besides.

I found a book which says "A man doesn't truly die if his name is not forgotten."

We will remember them.

With thanks and with the due respect they deserve. Not ignorant of errors in planning or policy but not obscuring the courage and commitment that sees us sleeping safely at night and free to live in a democracy with freedom of speech.

Dona eis requiem