Today is armed forces day in the UK, a day when we sit back and think about the sacrifices made, many in far-flung countries all over the world so that we can live our lives in peace and without fear. It's not only the dead but the terribly injured, many with life-changing injuries.
I can't pretend I agree with what's going on in afghanistan, I don't believe our men should be over there fighting this war but today is not a day for debating that. Today is a day of reflection, of thinking of those lost souls and the families remaining who will grieve until their own deaths.
I know I'm going on a bit but I have two sons in the armed forces, sons that have been to Northern Ireland, Irak and one son due to go to Afghanistan next year, I'm dreading that already. Despite all that I am fiercely protective of our armed forces, heros one and all. There is no camparison between these people and 11 overpaid prema donnas kicking a ball around a field (and I do enjoy the football) in South Africa who the minute we are knocked out of the cup will get on a plane and fly to some exotic destination to soak up the sun with their families until they are re-called back to training for the new season.