Britain have courage and carry on

"And maybe just remind the few, if ill of us they speak, that we are all that stands between the monsters and the weak."

Michael Marks, Iraq, 25 January 2006

They say that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to carry on in the presence of fear. Despite the tragic loss of life that occurred outside the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday (22 March 2017) we must carry on as a nation. Let's not forget what we are – a free and democratic country.

We must never allow ourselves to be dictated to by tyrants, villains or terrorists and must preserve the liberty that makes us great as a nation.

A week ago I had coffee with someone who said to me, "democracy has failed".

To hear these word hurt because at times I wonder if perhaps it's true. I've never cared too much for politics, but democracy is an ideology I've always prescribed too.

Our country at times has fought so hard for it. We defended our democracy and the freedom that came with it during our darkest hours during the Second World War. Fascism at the time was on our doorstep and very close to conquering our lands. But, as Churchill famously reminded us, even the prospect of defeat to the Nazis would not crush our spirits.

And, nor should it now.

"We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall ... we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." 

Winston Churchill (1884–1965)

Today, I do not feel threatened by terrorists who may take my life, but by those who believe they can preserve my life by taking away the liberty of others. In an age where populist politics and xenophobia is on the rise, this has become my real fear.

Perhaps we are doomed. Perhaps we will fail. Perhaps the terrorist will prevail. But we should never forget who we are or what we stand for. After all, courage is not defined by those who fought and did not fail, but by those who fought, fell and rose again. So at this sad point in time, let's do what we have always been famous for.

And I have a feeling we already are...

So have a cup of tea and if you have time, read this poem by Stephen Cumming. He was 24 years old when he died serving as a British soldier in Northern Ireland. He wrote it shortly before he was killed by the IRA in March 1989.

To all my loved ones,

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep,

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain,

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft stars that shine at night,

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I did not die.

Life is beautiful isn't it?

For those who fell yesterday, let perpetual light shine upon you and may you rest in peace. We will stand right back up for you. Not with a sense of grief or hate, but the collective calm defiance that has always made our nation great.