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Three months ago, I married my husband, a soldier serving in the British Army, posted to Germany. As I write, the regiment are preparing to deploy to Iraq for the second time in three years. Before I met my husband, I will admit that I was one of the many who never really cast a thought for serving soldiers or indeed for the war in Iraq. Yes, it was on the news and I heard about the tragedies of soldiers laying down their lives for their comrades, however it was never at the fore front of my mind.

Since meeting my husband, my eyes have been opened. Maybe it's the love I have for him and not wanting anything to happen to him, or that the bombardment of military around me has opened my eyes, and made me realize that there is more to this life than the self centered lives we live in. Many of us care for ourselves and our friends and families, without taking in the resulting factors around the world, the war in Iraq, and for occurrences more close to home, the lack of support being provided for our boys.

Coming up to Remembrance Sunday, we are reminded about the lives lost in wars gone past, and those affected will come out with pride to services all over the country wearing their poppy as a sign, not only as remembrance, but also as support for the troops.

But the support being shown to our troops, is not on the scale as it should be. Our troops should be hailed as heroes when they return to their homeland, and welcomed with open arms. As it is, a small scattering of people, mostly relatives and close friends, are showing their support.

Many of the national papers have been running stories to highlight the fact that our troops should receive the support from the whole nation that they deserve.

Our country is slowly being infiltrated by more and more 'immigrants', people who see the country as a stop gap, reaping the benefits and stepping into every available job. These people don't recognize the sacrifice of our troops for a nation as a whole, therefore they disregard it as 'just something that the English do'.

It is time that the troops serving in Iraq, and all over the world, were given the support deserved. I will be wearing my poppy with pride to await the return of troops all over the world.

Learn more about this author, Laura Sugden.
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