British Veterans Condemn JD Vance for Insulting Remarks on War Casualties
British veterans have criticized JD Vance for insulting the UK’s military sacrifices of 636 soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vance dismissed Britain’s military relevance, prompting strong responses from former military figures, including calls for him to honor veterans. The discourse highlights the importance of acknowledging sacrifices from the UK in international conflicts, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq, where casualties were significant.
British veterans have strongly criticized JD Vance, who made derogatory remarks about the UK’s military contributions, including its 636 war fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vance, the U.S. Vice President, dismissed Britain’s military efforts, claiming it hasn’t fought in decades while undermining plans for deployment in Ukraine. In response, former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer urged respect for fallen soldiers, while SAS veteran Andy McNab invited Vance to honor their sacrifices by visiting war memorials.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, former Army Chief, expressed disagreement with Vance’s comments, cautioning against public abuse that could complicate diplomatic efforts. Ex-soldier Shaun Pinner accused Vance of political ignorance while recalling his own harrowing experiences as a POW in Ukraine. Pinner emphasized the drastic differences between battlefield conditions faced by soldiers serving in Ukraine versus the U.S. military’s historical engagements.
Ben McBean, a former Royal Marine injured in Afghanistan, passionately rebuked Vance, declaring that he lacks a true understanding of combat. He criticized Vance’s previous role, claiming it did not entail real combat experience. McBean’s own sacrifices were acknowledged by Prince Harry, showcasing the reality faced by those who served.
Admiral Lord West condemned Vance’s remarks as disgraceful, highlighting the significant British casualties in the post-9/11 operations alongside the U.S. forces. He recollected the toll of British service members, asserting that Vance—having served in public affairs—should not trivialize such a serious topic. Lastly, General Lord Richard Dannatt openly questioned Vance’s grasp of military history and reality, sparking widespread concern over his remarks.
The discussion highlights Britain’s substantial involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, where over 636 military personnel died. Their contributions were crucial to the coalition efforts within Afghanistan, where 457 soldiers were lost in engagements from 2001 to 2014, and 179 in Iraq during the Operation Telic campaign from 2003 to 2009. Such sacrifices reflect the deep commitments Britain has made to international security and stability since the turn of the century.
The backlash against JD Vance’s dismissive comments underscores the deep respect held for British military sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan. Leaders and veterans alike have voiced concerns over Vance’s perception of international military engagements and the significance of acknowledging those who served and lost their lives. This incident reflects ongoing debates about military alliances and the understanding of modern warfare.
Original Source: www.the-sun.com
