I served for 13 years in the British Army.

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I am proud of my service and those I served with.

But the only serving personnel who never become veterans are those who die in service. So, I consider myself fortunate to be an armed forces veteran, just with a few additional challenges.

In December 2006, when I was seriously injured by enemy fire in Basra, Iraq, I had to come to terms with the fact that the life I knew was over and a new reality had begun.

Seventeen days in a coma, 25 operations to rebuild my face, a prosthetic left eye and a right one that’s not much better. But I’m still here and still kicking when needed.

Remembrance is significant for all who have served, especially those who have seen action in theatres around the world. Our poppies stop being a symbol. They start becoming a name. A colleague, a friend, someone you no longer have a pint and a laugh with.

This is why Remembrance is a double-edged sword. We rejoice as we meet up with old colleagues and friends, then we commemorate the fallen. The ones we knew personally and the ones we didn’t. We remember the families left behind, spending Christmas with an empty chair at the........

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