There are many things about this country which make us proud. But close to the top of any list must come our Armed Forces.
Their professionalism and courage has earned respect right across the world. Their discipline and dedication make them first choice for peace keeping and humanitarian operations.
Again right round the world. There are many people, in many different parts of the globe, who have reason to thank our servicemen and women.
And to that list in recent days can be added the people of Sierra Leone. From the day of their arrival in this West African country, British paratroopers have helped to bring new stability and hope to a people who have suffered terribly.
It is difficult for us to comprehend what the ordinary civilians of this country have endured at the hands of so called ' rebels ' trying to undermine a democratically elected Government and trying to do so through a campaign of terror. This is not war as we understand it.
It is an appalling savagery inflicted upon the civilian population in which rape and slavery and mutilation are the everyday weapons. It's a campaign of butchery in which - as we 've all seen on our television screens - young children have had their arms and their legs hacked off as a warning to others.
When the British forces arrived in Sierra Leone, the rebels were again in full advance and close to the capital Freetown. There was understandable fear among the civilian population.
Government forces were demoralised. The multi national UN peace keeping mission faced a worsening situation without the right equipment or manpower.
The main task for the British forces was to help evacuate safely the hundreds of British citizens who risked being trapped in Sierra Leone. It meant securing the main airport so the airlift could take place peacefully.
But the airport was also the key to reinforcing the UN force in Sierra Leone to give them the forces and firepower necessary to restore peace. And the best hope for Sierra Leone in the long term is an effective and capable UN force.
