There will be many who use their blog today to attack the politics of war, the military industrial complex or class system. I would ask them to refrain from offending those tragically affected by war or military service, just for today. Those caught up in the tragedy of war have much to contend with every day but especially today. There is no need to add to their pain with cold comments.

I hope you are fortunate enough not to know what it is like to get that phone call as friends communicate the news of the maiming of one of their own or to experience the daily concern for the friends affected. It is a long and rocky road of frustration and sadness, with a few victories lighting the way. The life changing nature of illness and injury sustained in theatres of war around the world is devastating and sad for all those involved. For those more recently affected it is likely that they chose to put themselves in these dangerous situations by virtue of career choice. Yes, if we live by the sword we die by the sword but it makes the tragedy no less terrible or sad.

Much of Remembrance Day is geared around those who made the ‘ultimate’ sacrifice. As we remember them we should also remember those whose sacrifice is made each day (and is perhaps more terrible for it) and the family and friends who have suffer with them.