How Can We Treat Them Like This?

No graphics from me today, it would not be appropriate for what I am about to write.

I was horrified to read in the newspaper this morning that a group of our wounded troops had been treated in an appalling manner.

As part of their recovery - as part of a hydro-physiotherapy course, a group of wounded soldiers had been taken to a swimming pool in Leatherhead, Surrey.   Some had lost limbs and other had been very badly burned.  They had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Special swimming lanes had been  set aside for them.

They were abused and jeered by the regular users, told that they did not deserve to be there.  The men had to leave the pool.  Those other swimmers should hang their heads in shame.  Their behaviour was disgusting.

MP Patrick Mercer, a former infantry commander, said "It may well be  that these people had paid for the use of the pool and these men did not, but our soldiers have paid so much more for their country."

It beggars belief  that this could have happened and to be honest, today I feel ashamed that I live in a culture where servicemen can be abused like this, where any disabled person can be abused in such a fashion.

Last night on the t.v. news we heard of the plight of American veterans.  Apparently one quarter of the homeless in the U.S. are veterans.  I was shocked at that.  I thought through reading many American journals that the U.S. honoured their servicemen and treated them very well.  To see a group of Vietnam and Iraq veterans sitting in a shelter in Boston , a shelter they had to make and run for themselves, was very sobering.  Everyone else was celebrating Thanksgiving, but these men looked sad and broken.  One young man said he had contemplated suicide several times. 

Many in the UK have become increasingly concerned as to how our troops are treated.  Sent into combat zones with boots that melt in the heat, insufficient body armour, lack of ammunition.  Their families in married quarters are living in bad conditions.  These service homes are not being maintained.  Troops interviewed in both war zones have stated publicly that they do not feel they are appreciated "back home."

Then we are told that our armed forces are at an all time low.  Young men and women are just not enlisting anymore.  Well, is it any wonder?  Our troops are stretched to the limit and what does the government do - nothing as usual.  They are too busy giving money away elsewhere.

War is a terrible thing. War has always been a terrible thing.  Many thousands of people did not support the war in Iraq as many did not support the war in Vietnam.

But whatever people's views, this is no excuse to treat our servicemen in a shoddy and dishonourable fashion.  They did their duty to their country.  Many did not come back.  Many that did come back are permanently damaged in mind.  Many are damaged in body and will remain so for the rest of their lives.

Both England and the U.S. should honour their troops. Both of our governments should support the servicemen and women  and see that they do not fall into poverty or hardship.  That they have adequate housing and all the help they need. They are all heroes and should be treated as such.

As for me, if I had been swimming in that pool in Leatherhead, I would have got out and thanked each one of those men personally for making such a sacrifice.  I would be proud to know each and every one of them.

It is a pity that our governments do not feel the same.