Supporting the troops

July 6th, 2009

International conflicts and military intervention are always difficult and the recent forays of our armed forces are certainly no different.

But we should never been in any doubt of the bravery of those soldiers who lay their lives on the line for the country.

The conditions in places like Afghanistan are unimaginable to us back home and these courageous men and woman face constant peril every day they are away.

So irrespective of the political debate behind the decision to send in the troops, when they go they should do so with our support.

For that reason, I was glad to be able to attend the celebrations that recognised the efforts of our troops at Inverclyde Navy Club.

Soldiers from past and present took part in the Armed Forces Day celebrations in Greenock and hundreds of similar events took place throughout the country.

This is the first year the event was held and I am pleased to hear there was a great turnout for the local events.

Among the people I spoke to the day were two young men who recently completed a tour in Helmand Province, the Afghan region that borders with Pakistan and has seen much of the fighting between NATO and the Taliban.

I am glad those young men, if required, will head back there knowing they have the people in the town they come from right behind them.

Every November, we get the chance to wear our poppies and lay wreaths for those who have fallen in service of their country.

But I am pleased that those who are currently doing their bit to keep us all safe are being recognised too.