Dear Editor, Integrity. Valour. Selflessness. Loyalty. Willpower. Responsibility. Leadership.

These are the timeless values of our Armed Forces, They are values that will equip them with a moral compass for the rest of their lives.

A career in the Forces may last four years or forty. But however long they serve, a lot will be asked of them.

Those who will never serve will never fully understand the realities of military life.

But our gratitude for what they do, knows no bounds. We are, and will continue, to demonstrate our immense gratitude and pride in their achievements. Never doubt this.

They have not chosen an easy profession or a quiet life. But you have chosen the noblest of careers. They are an inspiration to us all. Know that they have the profound respect of our country behind them – at all times and wherever they serve.

All of this was said by former Defence Minister, John Hutton MP.

Why is all this rhetoric not translated, in the Chief of Defence Staff, Sir Jock Stirrup’s words, into “some tangible evidence of the Nation’s gratitude”

Those who have served our great Nation in uniform have earned the right to an Official award. My suggestion is a National Defence Medal, and we have heard “our gratitude knows no bounds”. But the reality is decisions are left to the mandarin civil servants, who trot out parrot fashion “It has never been policy” and “we are under no obligation.” to every single medal grievance levelled at them.

Mr A Morland,
Whitbred Road,
Salisbury.