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British Queen Greets Troops; Troops Get Extra Hour To Call Home for Christmas

25 December 2009 2 Comments

Posted by Nel

Queen Elizabeth II greeted and saluted the British troops currently deployed in Afghanistan in her traditional Christmas Day  message to the Commonwealth. The men and women in uniform were given an extra hour to call home and greet their loved ones for the yuletide season.british-troops-afghanistan

The queen saluted the troops after the country has suffered its deadliest year when it comes to war battles. A record of 106 military members have died in service since January 1. This is the most since deployment began in 2001, in fact the most since 1982, in the Falklands War in Argentina. The total number of casualties since 2001 now stands at 243.

As a treat, soldiers in the operation got 30 minutes free talk time on phone per week and unlimited Internet access. Soldiers in front line were given 30 minutes for phone from the Ministry of Defense and additional 30 minutes from the military’s satellite communications provider.

For full details, click here for the AFP report.

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  • Michel Gourd

    If British Queen want to greets Troops in Afghanistan, she should call off the trip to Canada!

    Canadian troopers often end up homeless after leaving the army.

    This year Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall 11 days visit cost 2,57 millions dollars to Canadian taxpayers. The Queen and her Prince 25th trip to the country in 2010 will cost $3.5 million. This money could be better spent on food for the poor. Some weeks ago, Moisson Montreal last campaign was short 100,000 dollars. On a monthly basis, this non-profit food banks serves more than 115 000 persons and things are getting worst. Not only children one-third of those who receive supports but also the number of employed Montrealers customers is up by 78% in 2009.

    In her annual Christmas message, the Queen said that for those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn, 2009 was a difficult year for many. She urges the British people to show compassion and concern for those less fortunate. She should do what she preach, forget her trip to Canada and make sure the money go were it is needed. More than 12 000 households that visit food counters and 39 000 children without bread on their table will thank her. And no, to answer a question one other queen asked, they can’t eat cake instead.

  • Michel Gourd

    If British Queen want to greets Troops in Afghanistan, she should call off the trip to Canada!

    Canadian troopers often end up homeless after leaving the army.

    This year Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall 11 days visit cost 2,57 millions dollars to Canadian taxpayers. The Queen and her Prince 25th trip to the country in 2010 will cost $3.5 million. This money could be better spent on food for the poor. Some weeks ago, Moisson Montreal last campaign was short 100,000 dollars. On a monthly basis, this non-profit food banks serves more than 115 000 persons and things are getting worst. Not only children one-third of those who receive supports but also the number of employed Montrealers customers is up by 78% in 2009.

    In her annual Christmas message, the Queen said that for those facing the continuing effects of the economic downturn, 2009 was a difficult year for many. She urges the British people to show compassion and concern for those less fortunate. She should do what she preach, forget her trip to Canada and make sure the money go were it is needed. More than 12 000 households that visit food counters and 39 000 children without bread on their table will thank her. And no, to answer a question one other queen asked, they can’t eat cake instead.