THE 13-year conflict in Afghanistan has split opinion.

Was it right to go out there to start with?

Should we have been there so long? And will a country now be a better place for our intervention?

The debate will go on.

But one thing not in doubt is the sheer guts and bravery of our men and women who fought out there.

Forget politics, these people have laid their lives on the line for this country.

Our interview this week with the dad of NickyMason sums things up.

His son, Lance Corporal Nicky Mason, 26, from Aveley, was one of the 453 service personnel who were killed in Afghanistan. Dad Dennis didn’t want to debate the wrongs and rights of the war, instead he told us of his pride for his son, and said: “Nicky didn’t give his life for nothing – he was out there for Queen and country.

“I stand by what he did and what he believed in.”

Whatever your views on the conflict, people like Nicky deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.

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