This Saturday it is Armed Forces Day, a day in which the whole of the country can show our appreciation for the courageous work of the brave men and women of our armed forces.
I shall be with my constituents in Bulkington this weekend, which is part of the Rugby constituency, and have the honour of showing my appreciation to our armed forces by joining the Bulkington Royal British Legion Veterans Day Parade. An event that I know will be very well supported.
Armed Forces Day allows us the opportunity to give our brave forces personnel the recognition they fully deserve but do not seek. Every day our soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines make incredible sacrifices in order to keep us safe so it is a privilege to have the chance to show our appreciation for all that they do.
I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and bravery of our soldiers when I visited Camp Bastion in Afghanistan in my capacity as a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme in 2011. My visit to Afghanistan, and the time I spent with the soldiers, allowed me to be able to fully comprehend their selfless professionalism and courage - the very things that make them the envy of the entire world – and it is because of this that I urge everyone to go out this Saturday and show their support for Armed Forces Day.
The day also affords us the opportunity to show our appreciation for our past soldiers, for those still with us and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and laid down their lives.
Over the years I have been heavily involved in highlighting the needs of veterans who have been affected by trauma related illnesses. I firmly believe that our commitment to our soldiers does not end when their term of service ends and that is why I have always championed their needs and will always continue to do so.
We owe our forces so much, and they ask for so little, so I would urge everyone to show their support and appreciation for all that they do in whatever way they can this weekend.