BRITISH forces veterans marched through Swindon yesterday to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The people of this country know Britain was saved for future generations in World War II by those willing to risk their lives for the greater good. But perhaps we subconsciously think of heroism as the province of the young, and not something we associate with the old, even if the young heroes of yesteryear and the senior citizens of today are one and the same.

How else can one explain some of the problems faced by the generation that was young when World War II raged?

If people stood firm in the face of bullets, bombs and indescribable horrors 60 years ago, is it too much for those among them who find themselves in need now to ask for decent housing and heating, safe streets and a little respect from our leaders?