I, OF the old school, was recently proud and privileged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the forming of the Burma Star Association - with my husband who holds both the Burma and Atlantic Star medals.

We stayed at the Union Jack Club and both bemedalled we set off for the wonderful ceremony at Westminster Abbey and then at Westminster Hall, where we were fed.

Everyone was friendly, respectful and helpful both during and after the march. Back at the club we made friends with a charming small Indian gentleman with his carers, he couldn't speak much English but shared our wine and that was good enough for us. He was too old to march.

Today, on opening my paper, there on the middle pages he sat with the Queen Mother, one of the few VC holders awarded during the Burma Campaign. I was to reflect quietly on seeing his picture that it was men like him that made and kept his wonderful country free. Thus I would say to you today, ignore all the arrogance, gesticulations, the spin and broken promises and remember these brave proud men with reverence.

Be proud also that we walked among them in those far-off days of the Old British Lion and shared respect for each other.

We were a wonderful generation, so far removed from the egg-throwing and left-hooks of today.

God bless all those fine men I was privileged to meet.

JOAN M EYLES, The Homend, Ledbury.