It's not about why they joined up, it's about the fact that once in the service they do put their lives on the line. Some join up for adventure, some for a career and education.
Some idiots can't stand in silence for a minute when asked before some games but most do. No one has to applaud if they don't want but the vast majority did and that's what counts.

Indeed and they get my respect for it.

TM...you know and I know that you only posted your initial comment so folk would ask you "why" - don't deny it!

You are entitled to your opinion, obviously. I think though that today demonstrated that it is very much a minority-held one.

Why don't you join the army then? That would be a good way of showing your support.

OK Fair enough. I've no problem with people being patriotic or anything like that, I've no problem with anybody applauding our service personell, It's not for me though, soldiers, sailors and aircrew today are not doing anything that benefits me so I'll hold off on the (IMO)unearned applause and praise.

You too, go and join the army why don't you?

We should have had the entire first battalion parade around.

Maybe trying to put down the terrorist vermin - or their masterminds - who would seek to deprive you and many others of their life or liberty?

They didn't make the decision to go it's down to the polititians or more importantly the money men that pull the strings on capital hill not the young men and women that go out there.

You are entitled to your opinion but I completely disagree with it.

I dont believe that soldiers fighting illegally in foreign lands is either a benefit to me or civillisation as a whole. My applause will be reserved until I believe our service men and women deserve it. Each to their own though and if you want to applaud them then fair enough. I'll leave this highly sensitive thread alone now.

Whether you agree with it or not, it's a matter of respect.

Some apparently have none.

In fairness, those untold thousands who gave their lives in past wars did so ultimately to preserve our freedoms and liberties - including the right to hold and express unpopular or minority opinions. Whilst we do not agree with his views and attitude on this subject, at least the sacrifices and continuing sacrifices of the people in uniform enable him to express those views openly on here - and you to say what you think of them.

So you should, I have never been so embarrassed for an individual on RLFANS and that is really saying something.

You wouldn't have been saying that if an Iraqi nuke landed on your head courtesy of Mr Hussein.