Honouring our war dead is not a vague, respectable phrase: nor do we use solely young professional soldiers to commemorate the huge losses incurred by Britain’s two conscript armies. Veterans of recent events such as the Falklands and Gulf wars, who most visibly embody those who suffered both death and injury, as well as members of all walks of society, symbolise the whole of the United Kingdom citizenry.

Our armed services are indeed a sad necessity, but to call their presence on Remembrance Sunday “tactless” beggars belief.

Soldiers, sailors and airmen - citizens all - will wish, perhaps, to feel that they are visibly joined to the rest of society in honour of their predecessors’ sacrifices, and that their efforts were not in vain.

Robert Carstairs, Assistant general secretary, (Lieutenant Colonel, retired), Secondary Heads Association, Regent Road, Leicester