'They seemed disinterested' (From Malvern Gazette)

'They seemed disinterested'

11:02am Friday 13th July 2007 in Letters

AS a visitor to Ledbury, I had the opportunity to attend the ceremony re HMS Ledbury.

I very much appreciated the sight of the band of the Royal Marines and ship's company. The music was very stirring, it was worth making an effort to attend.

I was, however, puzzled by the sight of members of the Army Cadet Force and Sea Cadets chewing gum and moving, not marching, in a nonchalant and disinterested fashion. They seemed to have no pride in what they were doing, which makes me wonder why they were there as they added nothing to the ceremony.

If they intend to have a future in the forces, either they or their superiors need to take a closer look at what they are doing or their attitude.

Our parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters who lose their lives deserve better representation than that, when they have entered the services to protect us.

JAN STEPHENS, Abergavenny.