[Osem]

I recently listened to a radio debate about Rememberance Day and the wearing of poppies. A sizeable number of those who called in objecting to the entire concept did so because they associated it purely with supporting the government's stance re. the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have very grave doubts about this 'government' and indeed about the rationale behind these most recent conflicts but that will never stop me paying tribute to those who've fought and died on our behalf, especially those conscripts in the world wars who were treated like so much cannon fodder.

My support is not for the government or even the generals, it's for the ordinary servicemen and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice and those they left behind.