Forces Day glorifies war
I AM concerned about the Armed Forces Day on Saturday and its implications. Although I recognise the sacrifice the troops have made, and are making, I think the celebration goes too far in glorifying war.
Essentially the day looks very appealing on the surface, with entertainment for all the family, for the people of Scarborough and summer tourists.
I am worried that a lot of the activities will make war seem like a game; the paint-balling in particular. The presence of artillery, tanks, bunkers and secret look-outs, instead of giving a true reflection of war, might seem fun.
It appears that the day is also a masked recruitment drive, and a lot of the attractions on the day are aimed at impressionable young men and women of 16 and younger. Some of the activities are even aimed at younger children, i.e. the top secret ID Card printing. This might encourage these young people to go into the armed forces under false pretences.
A group of people from Scarborough, York and Leeds and the surrounding area will be holding a Peace Stall on the day, on the West Pier/ Foreshore, with leaflets, petitions etc., to try and get a balanced viewpoint across.
I believe that people in the armed forces that have experienced war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and also previous conflicts, should be thanked, whilst I am opposed to these wars, I am totally against their glorifications. I think the best way to support the troops is to end the war.
Laura Manton
South Street
Scarborough
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Weather for Scarborough
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
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