Trevor Ivory pledges to “do his bit” for
British Armed Forces
Trevor Ivory, Conservative Candidate for North Norfolk, has pledged to do his bit for
the British Armed Forces.
Mr Ivory met with representatives from The Royal British Legion at the Conservative Party
Conference in Manchester this week where he was presented with a copy of the Legion’s
manifesto for the next general election.
The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for past
and present members of the armed forces and their families. It encourages MPs and
candidates to “do their bit” for service personnel and their families, the
bereaved, veterans and dependants all of whom have been let down by Labour.
Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said, “We’re really
grateful to Mr Ivory for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our
message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple:
‘It’s time to do your bit’.”
“The armed forces need the support of politicians from all parties,” he added.
“Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all
the parties will give it serious consideration”.
Trevor Ivory said, “I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion. They
have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the armed forces and I have
pledged to do my bit.
Our brave servicemen and women have been let down badly by a Labour Government that has
committed them to fighting on more fronts that at any time since the Second World War
whilst at the same time dramatically cutting the size of the forces and failing to
properly equip them for the job.
Labour has also failed to look after the families of service personnel - especially in
the area of forces housing, which is simply not fit for purpose. The brave men and women
are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend us and Gordon Brown should hang his
head in shame that he has failed to honour his side of the military covenant.”
“The “do your bit” campaign is open to everyone, not just politicians and I
encourage everyone to sign up by visiting timetodoyourbit.org.uk.”
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Here's to the heroes. Especially for all of
the young ones we have recently lost
The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled
kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not
yet dry behind the ears, just old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his
country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash
his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either. He's a recent
Comprehensive School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of
sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either
broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world
away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or
fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing
is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less
time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade
launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and
latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told
to stop, or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without
hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.
He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full
and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his
rifle. He
can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're
thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his
ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use
his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life -
or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian,
draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering
and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in
private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note
of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering
the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove
their hat, or even stop talking.
In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be
disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is
paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the BRITISH
Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. He has asked
nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always,
for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have
women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our
nation calls us to do so.
Prayer Wheel
'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the selfless acts
they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.'
When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops. Of all
the gifts you could give a British Soldier, Sailor,or Airman, prayer is the very best one. |
