Long Overdue ....

Her Majesty The Queen has given her name to a new form of recognition for the families of British Service personnel killed while serving their country, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced today, Wednesday 1 July 2009.

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Long overdue but it appears to be well thought through and very respectfull. I just hope they can get them out to the next of kin quickly and with dignity.

Not before time! I know it will never replace lost ones, however it is nice to see they are at last being recognised as they are the ones left behind to share all the pain.

Tidy job .

And So They Should be awarded them.

I agree, it's a lovely idea. I just hope future generations keep them and remember those who were lost and don't just sell them on Flog it or E bay as I see so many medals etc. It really makes me sad to see that especially when they sell them with photos of the 'loved' one with them. What are they thinking of? Nothing would make me sell my fathers, husbands or sons medals. Am I just sentimental or what? Not sure.
Take care all
Anita xx

Likewise Anita.

I have the family's medal in my safe care and will never part with them. I have often wondered why people sell their medals, and indeed I have asked the vendor when I have purchased them from places such as Ebay.

It would appear that people are just not as sentimental as others. A lot of cases have been where someone has inherited them, but the recipient was the grandfather of their second step father, and they didn't know them, and seemingly didn't care. Other cases have been where they have come from house clearances, where there was nobody left in the blood line to pass them down. Where the medal is more 'modern' the recipient just wasn't interested in keeping them and they meant nothing at all to them. They would rather have some extra cash in their pocket.

At the end of the day, once the recipient leaves the Army they can do what they wish with them, they (well) earned them. However, I do find it sad when they leave the family, as I, like you, see them as family heirlooms to remind future generations of the family that they come from good stock.

Richard