WE seem to have Remembrance inflation, when I was a schoolboy in the 50s we had Remembrance Sunday with its two minute silence, now this period of reflection and dedication seems to have been lengthened to a Remembrance Weekend.

I’m not sure this is an altogether a good thing. Indeed, its perhaps indicative of a nation preoccupied with the past. Just making a period of commemoration longer does not necessarily make it more heartfelt. In the fifties no one seemed to feel deprived by only having a one day tribute, in fact because many families were still feeling the pain of war I suspect that the grief was more acute and the gratitude for peace more deeply felt.

Perhaps as a nation we would be better served by appreciating and treating our current armed forces with more consideration and respect. Former military personnel, especially those that have been injured, should certainly be given better after service support. Most governments seem to occupy themselves in seeing how they can cut back on pensions and avoid compensation.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland