» Stunned Amazement

Almost everything coming out of the UK about veterans of late has been bad - the state of equipment for the British armed forces, the attitudes of the civilians.

Especially the attitudes of the civilians.

So it hit me right in the gut to read on the BBC’s news site about Hailing Star.

They’re a teenage metal band in Devon, from the same town as a hero who fell in 2007, Rifleman Daniel Coffey, 2nd Btn The Rifles.

This group of teenagers (their lead singer is only 15) have written a song, “Lost Heroes” in memory of Rifleman Coffey, and other heroes who have fallen.

TEENAGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The last people, according to media hype, you’d imagine to honour anyone, let alone a soldier.

I can’t even begin to express in words the pride I feel reading about these kids … no, not kids, their actions are far too honourable to call them “kids”.

In a country that’s falling apart, where apathy and selfish self-centered assholes run around spitting (literally and figuratively) on those who risk their lives to give those ingrates the freedoms they’re in the process of squandering, to hear about this reminds me why we serve.

The ingrates get the benefits of that service because they happen to live there. But it’s people like these the members of Hailing Star that make it worthwhile.

A group of teenagers are keeping the faith, an act of honour and respect that a large number of their seniors are incapable of comprehending or performing.

The proceeds from Hailing Star’s song, “Lost Heroes”, will go to Operation Braveheart, a charity set up by Rifleman Coffey’s grandfather, David Godfrey.

Even if the song ends up being a total pile of crap, it won’t matter - people should buy it regardless. The quality won’t matter - Hailing Star stepped up to a plate very few can be bothered to step up to, and they deserve as much support as possible.

It isn’t just that the proceeds go to Operation Braveheart, it’s showing this group of teenagers that honour and integrity are worthwhile pursuits, and thanking them for their gratitude to our fallen heroes.

The loss of Rifleman Coffey was mourned by Patriot Guard Riders when the Ministry of defense announced it - a bunch of strangers in the US remembered someone when British civilians would shrug and likely insult the memory of this hero. Now a teenage metal band is honouring him too.

There’s hope for that decadent society yet. Maybe it’s worth fighting for after all.

Our heroes will never be lost with people like these around - fallen, yes … but never lost.

Tags: Daniel Coffey, David Godfrey, DDLI, Hailing Star, Lost Heroes, Operation Braveheart, Patriot Guard Riders, The Rifles