I do not suppose I will be making myself popular in this area for saying so, but I am getting increasingly irritated by the absurd habit of referring to each and every soldier or ex-soldier, as a hero.

I am afraid that if the four people in my family who have, or is, serving in the army, expect me to regard them as heroes on that account, they will be disappointed. But, I hear say, they risk their lives for their country.

Whether recent foreign wars can be defined as fighting for this country is debatable, and whenever someone signs up for the army they know that risk to life is part of the deal.

Of course, the corollary is that they are trained killers. I think it is a sad reflection on our society that these are the individuals we see fit to make heroes of. I am a highly qualified neonatal intensive-care and paediatric nurse, who has worked at the John Radcliffe in Oxford and Great Ormond Street Hospitals.

I have devoted my career to supporting and saving life, yet I have consistently earned less than I would as a soldier.

How often are the nurses and doctors who work in our hospitals, preserving life, referred to as heroes?

The peace makers may be blessed; it seems they lack the kudos to be heroes.

Veronica Burton

Wilton