Ex-soldier from Melksham shares importance of Armed Forces Day

TO commemorate the recent Armed Forces Day, a Melksham man who served in the army for over 18 years shared his thoughts with the Melksham News. 

Armed Forces Day took place on the 28th June and was created to help raise awareness of the contribution made by those who serve and to show support to those who make up the Armed Forces.

Gary Palmer has lived in Melksham all his life and left the army in 2012 after 18 and a half years serving his country and he contacted us to explain the importance of Armed Forces Day.

He said, “Armed Forces Day is vitally important as it allows people to show their appreciation for the Armed Forces as a whole and the sacrifices they are willing to make. It also keeps the Armed Forces in people’s minds as it is quite easy to forget about the men and women on the front line living in the harshest of conditions and risking their lives daily. The most challenging part of the army is when you have to say goodbye!

“I started my career in the Royal Engineers and after seven years I transferred to become an ammunition technician and left the army after over 18 years’ service. Army life is a totally different way of life. The comradery that comes with army life doesn’t just last for your time in the army – it lasts a lifetime. There are parts of army life that aren’t nice such as the war fighting side but that is ultimately what you are paid for as a soldier.

“An important part of army life is your family and friends who provide vital support – a lifeline when times get challenging. My wife Karen, my mum and dad (Tony and Marie), my sister Sally and her husband Martin and all my friends back home in Melksham and around the world have always been there night or day. This is a vital part of being a soldier and carrying out your job.

“God bless and a safe return to all of our Armed Forces currently on operational duties.”