Because they have put their lives on the line for their country and for people like you and me.

The Troops go where they are sent, they are not allowed to pick and choose. The Troops that fought in the Great War and all but gone now. They didn't question, just went to do their duty. We are free because of them. The Troops that fought in the Second world war, some were sent but most volunteered and we are free because of them. Politicians are the ones to blame if reasons for wars are wrong not the Troops.

For people like me and you, are you serious? Whilst you may have the odd serviceman/woman in this day and age that claims they willingly put their lives at risk for me and you, you can bet your last penny that the majority or service personell will tell you something other than they sign up to defend their country and people.

I was going to join the army before, and those thoughts certainley didn't cross my mind when I was comtemplating it, personel gain and adventure it was for me.

Now heroes like Old Henry that died over the weekend, they have my full respect.

I applauded them.

I don't agree with why they're in Iraq or Afghanistan but, at the end of the day, someone has to do their job and they deserve recognition for it. Its something that I would hate to do and I can only applaud them for doing that.

Good drums as well.

Whether or not they go into the services intending to do that, they still do it. Be grateful and don't take it for granted.

It's not about why they joined up, it's about the fact that once in the service they do put their lives on the line. Some join up for adventure, some for a career and education.
Some idiots can't stand in silence for a minute when asked before some games but most do. No one has to applaud if they don't want but the vast majority did and that's what counts.

Indeed and they get my respect for it.

TM...you know and I know that you only posted your initial comment so folk would ask you "why" - don't deny it!



You are entitled to your opinion, obviously. I think though that today demonstrated that it is very much a minority-held one.

Why don't you join the army then? That would be a good way of showing your support.

OK Fair enough. I've no problem with people being patriotic or anything like that, I've no problem with anybody applauding our service personell, It's not for me though, soldiers, sailors and aircrew today are not doing anything that benefits me so I'll hold off on the (IMO)unearned applause and praise.

You too, go and join the army why don't you?

That's not true Adey. Spannerz said well done everybody for their applause, I will just stating that I didn't applaud the soldiers. I'd have been happy to leave it at that.

We should have had the entire first battalion parade around.

Maybe trying to put down the terrorist vermin - or their masterminds - who would seek to deprive you and many others of their life or liberty?

They didn't make the decision to go it's down to the polititians or more importantly the money men that pull the strings on capital hill not the young men and women that go out there.

You are entitled to your opinion but I completely disagree with it.

I dont believe that soldiers fighting illegally in foreign lands is either a benefit to me or civillisation as a whole. My applause will be reserved until I believe our service men and women deserve it. Each to their own though and if you want to applaud them then fair enough. I'll leave this highly sensitive thread alone now.

Whether you agree with it or not, it's a matter of respect.

Some apparently have none.

In fairness, those untold thousands who gave their lives in past wars did so ultimately to preserve our freedoms and liberties - including the right to hold and express unpopular or minority opinions. Whilst we do not agree with his views and attitude on this subject, at least the sacrifices and continuing sacrifices of the people in uniform enable him to express those views openly on here - and you to say what you think of them.

So you should, I have never been so embarrassed for an individual on RLFANS and that is really saying something.

You wouldn't have been saying that if an Iraqi nuke landed on your head courtesy of Mr Hussein.

It's because of men and women who serve that you are allowed an opinion in the 1st place and just a tip from someone who served for over 12 yrs,do yer research before spouting off about what they do that benefits you or this country!!!!!!!!

Really! What a to$$er!

If you don’t want to get behind our forces personnel in support then feel free to pick up a rifle and go and stand in front of them.

These young men and women choose to join our armed forces and whatever their intention or remuneration have the responsibility to go and protect the freedom of those who can’t do it for themselves when told by the government that we as a Nation elect into power.

Whatever your thoughts on the legality of currant conflicts or whether or not you think we should be involved or not is immaterial, these people do not have a choice when it comes to being posted to these places and so public support of these individuals should be unwavering.

We all live under the freedom that these people provide either directly or indirectly and so you should be thankful to those that are willing to put themselves between you and a 5.56mm round travelling in your general direction.

Is that right?

In that case, that's not sporting! I'll have to respect you immensely now, no matter what you post on here!

you......, are a total peen a*rse! Have some respect.

Congratulations on being the only person (over 10 years old, unless of course you are aged less than that) out of 9500 people who did not applaud. Well done!

That'd be weird!!!!!!!!


Yes mate i was in the ROYAL NAVY for 12 and a half years!!!
Don't get me wrong everyone is entitled to an opinion but at least get the substance right in this case and respect costs nothing!