16th August 2020

What a wonderful VJ Day BBC programme last night, honouring all the brave veterans who gave so much 75 years ago. What was significant about their sacrifice was how 20 countries came together from Africa, Europe and India against a common foe, Japan.  Didn’t matter whether they were Sikhs, Hindus, Muslim or Christian; the 14th army recognised what had to be done. As they merged in the jungles and mud of Burma, Japan had already invaded large swathes of S. Asia and was massing to attack India.  Like Hitler in the west, there are times when murderous countries, intent on taking by force other nations, have to be stopped by any means to protect the rest of the world. As Prince William urged the public last night on TV to learn the lessons of the past, how lovely to see all those old veterans given the respect they so rightly deserve. As they so poignantly said: We gave our today so that you can enjoy tomorrow. Time people today gave more respect to the ‘forgotten army’ loyalty of older citizens.