I AM wondering if we as a society are beginning to accept without questioning that a military solution to conflict is the best way forward.

Today Dorchester is celebrating Armed Forces Day. Am I unpatriotic for not wanting to celebrate with the men and women in uniform?

Surely the point at which the forces are needed is in fact a point of failure. We celebrate our failure? Killing another human being is wrong.

As we approach the 100th Anniversary of the First World War we will hear many stories of suffering both here and abroad.

I am glad we commemorate this event but celebrate, no. It was the war to end all wars, we have failed.

We must not forget that life is precious, all life, not just yours and mine. It’s now time to reject the military rhetoric we are being increasingly fed and work for peace and reconciliation. Political solutions are the only way to lasting peace.

Our children need to know that there is always an alternative to more killing. We could start by not renewing Trident and put the money saved into hospitals, education and social care. Now that really would be something to celebrate.

Linda Wood

Holloway Road

Dorchester