Armed Forces Day 2024
You might say ‘hey Stephen, you sound Irish, how could you be supporting armed forces day? Today, I’m thinking of my Great-grandfather who never came back to my Great-grandmother and their children. Henry Cummins’ name is on the Menin Gate and was killed in the Ypres Salient of The Great War. His remains never found, but commemorated every day with a last post with the other 40,000 on that cenetaph. He was in the Leinster regiment. The conflict between Ireland and the UK is over now and I want to remember the past but not relive it.
So today, on Armed Forces Day in the UK, we should:
- Honour Service Members: Recognize the bravery and dedication of those in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Remember Veterans: Pay tribute to veterans for their past service and ongoing contributions.
- Support Families: Acknowledge the sacrifices made by military families.
- Reflect on History: Understand the historical role of the Armed Forces in securing peace and security.
- Engage with the Community: Participate in local events to show support.
- Raise Awareness: Learn about the challenges faced by military personnel.
- Support Charities: Consider donating to organisations that help service members and their families.
- Promote Peace: Reflect on the efforts made by the Armed Forces to maintain peace.
By focusing on these aspects, we can show our appreciation and support for the men and women who serve our country. Like Abraham Lincoln said at Gettysburg that we should resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain and we should dedicate ourselves to …
“a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.“