As an Institution we have condemned President Trump’s comments regarding NATO and specifically UK armed forces support in operation both in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are proud of the service and sacrifice that generations of our members have given to the Crown and country and we stand with them as they respond to the President’s ill thought comments.
One of our members Bro. David Richie of Granagh ILOI No. 30 a serving member of His Majesty’s Armed forces has voiced the disappointment and surprise of many from the armed forces community when he said:
“It is with sadness that as a current member of His Majesty’s armed forces, that a close Allies like the USA, through its president has chosen to dismiss the contribution and efforts of the UK armed forces along side the US armed forces in practically every war since the 2nd World War. Even in Vietnam, the US had its coalition with Australian forces, part of Her Majesty’s British common wealth forces, at that time, and they always expect the UK to be there partner no matter where in the world conflict rages.
It is not surprising that the modern politician, can so easily dismiss the patriotism of it fellow citizens and coalition partners in defending the interests of the nation or the interests of western democracy from which they govern, due to modern political ideologies.
As someone who respected the common sense, straight taking politics of Trump, he has completely over stepped the mark on this occasion. Maybe it is easy for someone in politics to have this attitude when they have never really shared life and death experiences with fellow country or coalition personnel, I know that any shared experience on operations or training with US armed forces was always positive, a mutual respect and shared purpose was always evident. That’s the difference in attitude I suppose, that understanding that in difficult situations we both have each others backs. Maybe after this outburst, UK armed forces will have a different attitude to Trump and his US armed forces, and that the UK government could be reluctant to commit troops to any shared operations in future, since we are so easily dismissed.
As a Christian I believe the sovereignty of God, and the Lord’s direction and purpose in all things. I also take strength in the words of Psalm 20 verses 5 – 9, where a promise is made to his people that no matter what happens, we are not to relay on perceived strength of men, which is nothing at all, but the Lord our God.”
