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A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO OUR TROOPS

Date added: Friday 14th November 2008

Friday, 14 November 2008

Dear comrades of Daniel and fellow servicemen and women of Great Britain.

It was just a matter of days ago that as a nation we came together to remember those as a country that we lost in the two world wars, for so many today that is but distant memories, but today, if anything we should remember more than ever why this special day is so very significant.

Today in this year of 2008 in this new century, which in time is just a new born baby, our thoughts and prayers are again with those we love, our servicemen and women. Those sons and daughters of families, and whose sons and daughters are the sons and daughters of Great Britain, and once again the thoughts of so many people are again focused on Christmas, and what that will mean to the families, and to you the servicemen who are in inhospitable and far away countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

In any family home Christmas is a time of giving, and receiving of presents given in love, it is a time for being together as a family, to share and be a part in that families love and happiness.

For many of you today that time will not be possible. Because of great distances and countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan you cannot be a part of such a family gathering. As a family we think of those families who like us have either lost a loved one, or who has a son or daughter, mum or dad, husband or wife brought home to the United Kingdom seriously injured.

Each one has been joined together with me, as though you are part of our own family and we extend our love to every single one. We think of you all as Christmas fast approaches, for we know that you are in a place where you would rather not be, but your duty and your courage and beliefs prevent you from being with your own loved ones and for this great courage we salute you.

You carry a heavy weight on your shoulders but your strength of character carries that weight as though it were a feather because you, our servicemen and women have got, like Daniel had, a heart that cares, a heart that beats for humanity in all our guises and creeds.

We think of you as you carry out that duty, which is also a duty of care because we know in our hearts that that is what you do, what you have been trained to do, and it is that duty that makes you what you are, be it soldier, sailor or airmen, you are an elite, a force for good, for good always triumphs over evil.

Many times how you must have thought, “What do the folks back home think?” “Are they really supporting us?” “Does anybody really care?”

I would like to put your mind at rest on those questions that trouble you, and I know they do trouble you, greatly, because I have asked those very same questions of myself, many times over. What I can say to you today though, as together we, as a united family remember Daniel being with us is this our second Christmas without him being with us as a family is this.

At this exact moment in time you have chosen to visit the website of Operation Braveheart, this website will always be a home both for you, your families and the public who support you. I will continue to support you in the memory of Daniel, my grandson, a proud soldier of the Rifles Regiment.

Know this dear friend that the people of this country truly do care in their hearts for you, though at times in some areas it seems as if we do not but such people, thank God are a tiny minority. The vast majority however, like I and my family, feel your pain and sorrows, and they want you to know that very deeply.

There is an old saying that you may not know which goes, “Give a little, and gain a lot” How daily we see that all of you give so much, yet you seem to gain so little in return for the sacrifices you make.

You will no doubt have been on the receiving end of many a true British feeling as you received parcels and packets sent out there to you all by many people from around this country. From rich and poor, military and non military families, friends and neighbours alike, all chose this special way to show you their love, and will continue to do that if possible.

A new year is all but around the corner, and with it comes our hope that for you it will somehow be a new beginning. What this New Year will bring I do not know, but what I do know is this. “As long as this heart of mine should beat it will beat for you, as it beats for my family as long as I am able.

Take heart comrades of Daniel, that the great British public are behind you, and many voices are speaking out for you daily in the ears of government for change, a change we hope that will be for the better. For better conditions for you, and for better equipment, and for a safe and speedy return to these welcoming shores.

May the God of love bless you and keep you safe in his hands always.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIS AND YOUR COURAGE AND LOYALTY TO THIS COUNTRY.