[jambutty]

Originally Posted by Doug

Yes I have, very emotive and in part distressing. I can only wonder why it as taken so long to recognise those that have fallen, that said this is a fitting tribute to all those lost on active service or training for operations since 1948.

The name of Guardsman Neil “Tony” Downes, killed in Action in Afghanistan earlier this year will have his name added with 90 others in 2008. Although Born in Blackpool and laid to rest in Droylsden, Manchester. Tony’s family emanate from Accrington and District.

The National Memorial Arboretum Home

Home | Armed forces memorial

Long overdue.

However why was it funded by public subscription?

Why didn’t the government use our taxpayer’s money to fund the project? After all the people died in service to their country.

And now after the recent floods, which uprooted and damaged thousands of trees, public donations are being sought to cover the cost of re-planting the trees etc.

The government can fund illegal wars where our servicemen and women are getting killed but when it comes to a memorial for their services the purse stays tightly zipped.

That must be the ultimate insult to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

But then what can you expect from a government that tries to compensate those who were seriously wounded, with as little as possible and had to be forced to increase the compensation. Which even then is nowhere near enough. £285K for losing both legs and suffering brain damage.