True service

MUCH of the last week has been spent discussing how to pay for modern Britain. The service, in Ripon Cathedral, for soldiers from 4 Regiment Royal Artillery reminds us, however, that no matter how bad the state of the nation's finances, true cost cannot be measured in pounds and pence.

By The Newsroom

Published 21st Oct 2010, 23:06 BST

Updated 21st Oct 2010, 23:06 BST

Their return from a six-month tour of Afghanistan is necessarily a

sombre one. Having lost two young men, both remembered as decent, dedicated and honourable, the unit may not want to celebrate.

The rest of the country, however, should not hesitate to laud the achievements of everyone in 4 Regiment, based in Topcliffe, in North Yorkshire, and the rest of the Armed Forces, because they worked, lived and, in some cases, died defending freedom and trying to rid

Afghanistan from the influence of extremists, dictators and people who cultivate drugs.

The service, held yesterday, and march through Sunderland today, as well as the presentation of medals to soldiers based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, reminds us of the immense sacrifices made by members of our Armed Forces around the world.

However tough conditions feel in Britain over the next year, they are dwarfed by the hardships experienced by servicemen and women on the frontline.