Those involved with military operations in Afghanistan deserve our utmost respect – their sustained bravery in an extremely challenging environment is a source of enormous pride for us all.
But the defence community stretches beyond those serving in Afghanistan. Armed Forces Day is also an opportunity to support veterans, cadets and service families.
Those in the armed forces play a unique role in our public life and they rightly deserve unique recognition through the military covenant which ensures that those who make sacrifices and serve our country shall face no disadvantage as a result of their service.
Following a campaign led by the Royal British Legion and supported by Labour, the principles of the Military Covenant were enshrined in to the Armed Forces Act 2011. But whilst the military covenant was an important step, there is still much work to be done. The Government needs to do more to ensure that the principles of the covenant are backed up with hard policies that really help members of the Armed Forces.
Hopefully this year’s Armed Forces Day can act as a catalyst to encourage the Government to provide better support for those who have already served our country, and those who continue to serve.
I’m proud that so many of my constituents choose to serve their community and their country so bravely, which is why I’ll be attending on Saturday in Wigan Town centre where everybody in the Borough can pay tribute to all those in the Armed Forces who continue to serve us so well.
Visit the Armed Forces Day website to find out more about this special day.
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