We don’t need to mark war anniversary (From Worcester News)

We don’t need to mark war anniversary

12:40pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Read

SIR – It has been reported that the Prime Minister has asked officials to draw up plans to mark the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War.

This veteran of that war is not alone in not wanting any commemoration this year.

In our country it is the norm that 25th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of past events are marked and we should stick to that.

I would rather that the Ministry of Defence offers minimal support for any service organisations marking the event, and no more.

I’d prefer that the MoD concentrates its energies on current campaigns, on ensuring the security of the Falkland Islands and on sorting out its budgetary black hole.

Given the dodgy state of the economy, this is no time to find exceptional reasons to spend public money.

Most veterans with a South Atlantic Medal would, I am sure, put the country’s present needs before any unnecessary spending for 2012, especially as the nation did us rather proud when it marked the 25th anniversary so handsomely in 2007.

LESTER MAY
(Lieutenant-Commander RN – retired) London