Today I read the Queen’s Birthday honours list. Among those who have been awarded MBE’s and Knighthoods were actor Christopher Lee (Knighthood), Golfer Nick Faldo (Knighthood), and Chef Delia Smith (CBE). In a world full of z-list celebrities I have no argument with the awards given for their talents, however I do feel that time and time again there are certain people who are overlooked, those who fought in both the first and second world wars.
Take Henry Allingham and Harry Patch both 113 and 110 years old. These men are the final two British survivors from World War One. Both men I have followed greatly over the last few years, humble, honest, sincere and above all proud to have served their country in what will always be the most horrific War the world will ever see.
In a world where knife crime and street violence is at it’s highest ever the youth of today just do not have the honour or courage to endure what these two brave men went through. When I read that three London teenagers who murdered Ben Kinsella described the act as “courageous”, I am led to think how would the youth of today like to be placed in a trench, a trench full of shit, rats, disease and death, quite literally a pit of decay and despair. To stay in that trench for four years watching 15 million people die, would they have that level of courage? No.
These two men, alongside thousands since, have died defending their country deserve a lot more recognition than they do but these two especially should have their life’s honoured by The Queen. Not just because of the bravery as that was shared by millions but purely because they are a shining example of how to live a life and leave behind a legacy or respect.
To act, hit a golf ball or bake a cake is not too difficult, yet to live to the age of 113, survive two World Wars and to retain ones dignity and pride deserves the highest award possible. Come on your Majesty. Do the right thing.
