DAILY REFERENDUM: afghanistan

James Hulme of the Telegraph has highlighted the the row brewing over the remembrance of Georgie Sparks. Royal Marine Georgie died last November, aged just nineteen, whilst serving his (our) country in Afghanistan.

James says:

Events since his death say much about how as a country we do not do enough to commemorate the names and achievements of young men and women who make the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the nation.

Georgie’s family are currently embroiled in a battle with their local town and district councils over plans to honour him by naming a local children’s playground, a place where he himself played as a child, in his name. Elements of the town council have approved and then withdrawn their support , leading to unedifying claims and counter-claims between both councils and Georgie’s family, as well as the local community. The issue not only does nothing for the reputation of local government but more importantly highlights the often half-hearted way in which we as nation recognise the contribution of our armed forces involved in current conflicts.

Whilst towns and cities around the country will remember those servicemen and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan on Remembrance Day and on war memorials, it should not be beyond the capability of local authorities to develop new ways of honouring service. Whilst some councils have offered services of remembrance or given service medals, a more lasting tribute would be to embed the names of fallen soldiers to public places at the heart of their communities.
Such commemorations would not glory in war or human suffering but offer a quiet thank you to those who endure unimaginable pressure and difficulties in the name of serving their country. It might also allow grieving families a permanent recognition that their loved one’s sacrifices have been properly recognised.

According to the Epping Forrest Guardian:

EPPING town council will be discussing the re-naming of Stonards Hill play area at their meeting this evening, but has yet again banned members of the press and public.

Councillors have faced huge public opposition after they decided to reject Mayor Ben Murphy's offer to re-name the park after Epping's fallen Royal Marine Georgie Sparks.

But they still refuse to allow other people to attend their meeting, stating that the discussion is confidential.
Georgie's friends and colleagues will be protesting against the council's decision in Epping this evening, outside St John's church at 7.30pm.

I think Epping town council have forgotten just who it is they work for.

I'm all for this form of dedication. When kids ask their parents why their play area is called Georgie Sparks, he will be remembered. I think we also need to increase public awareness that Remembrance Day is not just for remembering the fallen of past wars, but to remember those who are falling today.

It appears that Prince Harry has been fighting the Taliban on the front line in Afghanistan. Good on him! I know he was desperately disappointed to miss out in Iraq. Iraq unfortunately would not have been safe for him or his men. I hope the media coverage of this story does not spoil this for the prince. Good man.

UPDATE: It's a shame that Harry has been withdrawn from operational service in Afghanistan following the media breaking the story. From the videos I've seen he looks to be a competent young man, more than willing to serve his country. The media in the UK should be congratulated for keeping his deployment secret, the foreign media outlets who released the story should not. Lives could be lost for the sake of a sensational headline. Jon Snow - tit.

Hookie over at the Final Redoubt has some videos of Harry's service in Afghanistan.