AS THE number of deaths among our soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq rises to horrific levels, it would be easy to become anaesthetised.
Easy to forget that each of these losses is a life cut short. Easy to forget that each of these losses means anguish for the family, friends and comrades left behind.
Take time to reflect, then, on the tragic death of Guardsman Simon Davison, a lad from Cannock who was shot dead by the Taliban as he tried to protect his Army mates.
He died a brave man doing a job in which he believed passionately.
But that cannot disguise the tragedy of his death. At the age of 22, he should have had a lifetime ahead of him.
That is the truth behind the grim statistics that emerge from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Each death is the loss of a son, brother, husband or father. Each death is an intense personal tragedy.
RIP, Guardsman Davison.
You and your fallen comrades will be remembered with pride and sorrow.