Lest we forget.

[yogi100 1,925]

A large percentage of all donations to the RBL actually goes to help ex servicemen which is more than can be said for a lot of other charities. A friend of mine served 13 years in the Royal Green Jackets. When he left he applied for housing to a South London Council which even back in the 1970s was a hotbed of left wing socialism and he was informed it was not their policy to provide housing for ex members of the armed forces. He got in touch with the Legion and they found him, his wife and child a home.

 

This was after the days of national service and he had volunteered to join the army. He was not too impressed with the appreciation he received from his local council so when you buy a poppy you are helping the Legion to help others like him who may be returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately these days not many folk bother to even find a shop or a pub that sells poppies. They'll spend a fortune on football shirts,TVs and computers but can't be bothered to buy a poppy once a year.

[tomcat76 327]

It's sad. The media is full of how much we support the troops, but so many still can't be bothered to lift a finger. Some of the older crowd are still sullenly reliving their protesting of the war in Vietnam, where they could happily indulge themselves by spitting on the troops. Have times changed? Yes. Many examples of citizens & businesses reaching out to welcome troops home and show them their gratitude and admiration, and helping them with their disabilities and transitions back to civilian life. Has everyone changed with them? No. Some obscenities like demonstrations at military funerals and court-approved lying about service & awards. If you run into guys on R&R in Pattaya, at least think about reaching into your pocket and buying them a round.

Edited November 15, 2012 by tomcat76