ARMISTICE Day is always a date for reflection: an essential reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices of those who gave their lives.

Today, with battles raging in Iraq and British troops in extreme danger every second, November 11 is especially poignant.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the conflict in the Gulf, it is a day to set aside time to consider the enormity of the task facing those in the line of fire, as well as remembering the victims of past wars.

Next year, of course, we will be marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and the Government has been criticised by some for planning a single major celebration, led by the Queen, on the "symbolic date" of July 10.

Although we understand the disappointment of those veterans who disagree with a date which falls between VE Day in May and VJ Day in August, we believe it is the right decision.

The country needs one official day of celebration when it can focus fully on what was achieved and what it meant for future generations.

It does not mean for one second that the two anniversaries will be forgotten, and we trust that all veterans will come to feel that their courage has been properly recognised.

By then, it is to be hoped that Iraq will be stable under its own democratically-elected government, and our troops will be back home with their families.

That is our Armistice Day prayer.