20th December 2009
Prince Andrew pays tribute to front-line personnel in Afghanistan
2009 has been a particularly harrowing year for the Armed Forces in Afghanistan. The conflict continues unabated even as we are able to enjoy the season of Christmas at home.
Uppermost in my thoughts are the families of those who have lost loved ones during this year; their loss is incredibly hard to bear and incomprehensible to most of us and my prayers go out to them. We must also not forget the families of those currently deployed in Afghanistan who are separated from their loved ones.
I write this evening as I depart Afghanistan having spent the last 24 hours visiting our troops. I am immensely grateful for the chance to come and support our military and civilian personnel and to experience something of the tempo of operations.
The media are only giving a small sense of the success of the operations these brave men and women are conducting in Afghanistan. I can attest to their determination, resilience and even humour as they all discharge their duty. I have some previous experience of armed conflict; but to hear of the almost daily heroism by virtually everyone, military or civilian, is so completely different from anything I experienced.
I was at supper yesterday with members of the Fleet Air Arm, who are flying many of the helicopters in theatre. I was struck by one of the conversations we were having. They were telling me of the many deployed units who were finding ways to raise money for Help For Heroes. These young people really empathise with those who have suffered and been injured in combat. They told me how their squadron is collectively running the distance back to the UK (they have managed to run the distance and beyond already); that Royal Engineer Bomb disposal experts have conducted a marathon around Camp Bastion in full equipment and over the Christmas period many other units will be conducting similar fundraising activities.
Having heard of the commitment of the troops themselves toward their colleagues I applaud the effort by The News of The World to deliver presents to the children of those serving in Afghanistan. This is a very generous act.
This is a difficult time of year to be separated from one’s family. We have troops deployed around the world as well as Afghanistan, but it is here that our thoughts and prayers are focused. I salute the resilience, determination and spirit of our troops. Whatever we may think, these young men and women are laying their lives on the line every day they are here. We should support them in any way we can. I have been especially privileged to come to visit our troops and I wish them all a very happy Christmas.
