Once again we gear up to remember those who did not return to their homes and families after the First and Second World Wars.

Yes, we must never forget those who laid down their lives for us, but I often ask myself who remembers those who returned to this country fit for heroes to live in?

No counselling for them in 1945! Just a demob suit and get on with your life.

They all worked hard, built homes and raised families.

Now in their 70s and over they are the truly forgotten army.

After paying taxes, insurance into the "from the cradle to the grave" fund, they try to exist on a very meagre income

If they have the misfortune to live in rented accommodation and have a company pension, this will be promptly taken away for rent and council tax.

They are allowed £8,000 in savings and still qualify for a rebate, but how many have that sort of money saved - or have been able to save?

As pensions have not kept pace with expenditure, they will have used up what little they had to keep themselves warm, clothed and fed.

So come on the powers that be, help senior citizens dignity.

They all did their bit during 39-45!

And apart from remembering the dead, spare a thought for those that are still with us.

Anita Clark,

Auster Bank Road,

Tadcaster.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.