My fifth sober one. First one that I'll miss due to Intergroup commitments. I'll take a few moments and remember all those who fought when they didn't really want to, those that died and those that survived and the damage they endured. From both sides, victors and vanquished.

Both my Dad and my Father in Law were WW2 vets. Both survived, but both were changed by it. One suffered chronic, lasting bodily illness, one suffered chronic, lasting emotional illness. Both have passed away now. My Mother in Law supported the Poppy appeal from day1 until she went into the home for her last days. They will be in my thoughts and intergroup can do without me for 2 minutes.

Many ex soldiers develop the disease of alcoholism. In the UK many are too proud to seek help, so many die. I'll also be remembering the still suffering alcoholic, within and outwith the fellowship.