RMA CITY OF LONDON BRANCH CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2018
From
Lieutenant General Sir Rob Fulton RM KBE
non nobis solum nati sumus ortusque nostri partem patria vindicat, partem amici
This year’s quotation comes from Cicero since I have been reading the fictional English trilogy of his life and his career from lawyer to statesman by Robert Harris. It records a theme very familiar to all of us:
“Not for us alone are we born; our country, our friends, have a share in us”
Firstly it records that all of us have a duty to something larger than ourselves. From our earliest days in the Corps, we understand and acknowledge that we have a duty to our Sovereign, our Country, our Service, our Corps. In the outside world, this may have faded in favour of ‘Look after Number One’, but to us it is a lifelong commitment. Let’s not neglect that duty.
Secondly, it reminds us, as if we needed reminding, not only that we should look out for and look after each other, but also that each one of us derives immense strength from doing so. Fire teams comprise team mates, need teamwork, learn team spirit – and so does every group in the Corps including this Branch, of which we are fortunate to be Members. Let’s not take it for granted.
This year, amongst the usual host of large and small events undertaken by our Branch, we joined the ceremonies to mark the 100thAnniversary of the Raid on Zeebrugge. They were a moving and fitting tribute to the men who took part in the Raid and were praised by all. The Branch should be proud of that, not least because, thanks in large part to our Members and our indefatigable Chairman, those responsible for the superb organisation have had at least 35 years in which to practise. Planning for the 101stis already well under way. Let’s not forget to remember.
As another year comes to an end, I would like to send heartfelt thanks to our Chairman and our Committee for all your work on our behalf and to every Branch Member for all the support that you have shared with all of us.
I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a successful 2019.
