All went to war with
different ideals and views but came together as a collective to support one
another. Some went because of the excitement of an adventure, some because they
believed in their country and democracy and some because it was better than the
thought of being stigmatised and prison.
Each going through their own thoughts as to why they were there.
For all those that fought and lost their lives and for those that are still living what have we changed to make them feel that they were and are still valued and honoured by society?
What have we done to honour these heroic people and keep their legacy alive?
How do we respect our forces?
· Housing: How many veterans are on the council list still trying to find housing?
· Benefits: Why are they not fast tracked to be able to get the assistance that they need?
· Healthcare: Why is there no fast-track access to the needs they require?
· Why is it the government believe that charities are the best people to deal with these situations when they know they need to find funding and are blocked by the time-consuming bureaucracy of these services?
They appear to only be respected with words and nothing else.
How do we value their sacrifice for the so-called freedom of democracy?
We say we value diversity, equality, and inclusion but do we really? These words can be a positive, but they are mainly used in a divisive and emotive context to suit the needs of groups, companies, organisations, and individuals. How do we in ‘civvy street’ assist with those that have left the services to adjust to learning a different way of life? Do we accept that the language they use would be different from ‘civvy street’? That they maybe more direct in their language due to combat or do we ignore this and expect them to be, ‘just like us’? Do we value or respect the differences or even try to understand?
How do we appreciate and carry on their legacy of free speech?
Cambridge Union blacklisted an historian for the Hitler salute what was the context of the salute? If we cannot discuss and debate sensitive and emotive issues but blacklist, destroy and hide artefacts that do not suit certain groups how are we ever going to understand the mistakes and atrocities of the past and move forward to teach future generations? Hitler burnt books and destroyed artefacts and prevented those from speaking who did not agree with his opinions and his ideology, are we not doing the same? Are we inciting aggravation and aggression due to lack of debating skills?
How do we honour and respect those that have and still are serving to protect our freedoms ,and what respect do we really have for the legacy they left us to cherish?
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Hi Hede,
The soldiers were heroes because they fought against the fascists. Those evil nazis and Hitler who killed Jews, Christians, muslims, disabled, pacifists, transgenders, homosexuals, mentally ill, children and any others who opposed their rule. Many soldiers sacrificed their lives for our freedoms so they should be remembered. People of the forces deserve our respect, they also help out in peacetime too and do great work.
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Hi Gill,
I believe those soldiers, lost their lives to make this world a better place and therefore, l believe that it is important to be able to debate, challenge and discuss all issues past and present . We need to be able to put issues into the relevant context be it past , present or future, so that we can understand. Banning those with alternative ideologies and views from debating within a safe environment, such as universities, can be viewed as divisive through misunderstandings by wider audiences. If we are to move forward we need to debate and challenge within 'safe environments' such as universities.