How dare Trump denigrate our heroes’ memory, writes Phil Hill.
Those bilious lies suggesting our wonderful troops had an easy ride in Afghanistan were preposterous.
A total of 457 courageous Brits paid the ultimate price to protect us from the scourge of terrorism.
This country, along with NATO allies, rapidly answered the call following the 9/11 attacks on the USA.
Thousands were killed fighting the Taliban in their backyard, including many Americans, who deservedly won Trump’s praise, and other countries’ troops.
Yet he unforgivably expressed doubts fellow NATO members would turn up “if we ever needed them.”
Tell that to Royal Marines from 40 Commando who witnessed friends and colleagues being blown up in the hellhole that was Helmand Province.
They faced unspeakable atrocities, with their murdered brothers-in-arms’ body parts strung up in trees.
A total of 14 from 40 Commando were killed in a brief period in 2010.
A further four in other deployments would never see their loved ones again.
More others returned home with severe injuries that changed their lives forever.
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From the comfort of life back home, the County Gazette ran a Shoulder to Shoulder campaign to offer what little support we could.
The community got behind it to show our appreciation for the commandos’ selfless sacrifice in the face of unimaginable perils.
We can’t bring those brave men back, but we must always remember them.
Trump knows he was wrong and tried to make amends by posting a message calling UK fighters in Afghanistan “among the greatest of all warriors.”
He added: “It's a bond too strong to ever be broken.
“The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA).
“We love you all, and always will!”
No apology.
It all sounds so hollow.
Trump would never be welcome in the Taunton area.
Of course, the ‘Special Relationship’ is important to this country, but perhaps Trump should watch Love Actually to see how it needs to work both ways.
Despite the damage Trump’s ridiculous comments have caused, we must always remember how our Royal Marines train and work daily to make the world a safer place.
Our gratitude to those who have left us needs to be pondered every day – not just once a year in November.
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