We have regularly joined the Oxfordshire public in welcoming home our troops from the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Some of our servicemen and women, however, have not returned alive - and sadly, another is added to the list today.
Royal Marine Dale Gostick, from Great Haseley, gave his life fighting the Taliban at the weekend.
He became the 97th British serviceman to die in Afghanistan when his vehicle was caught in a bomb explosion in Helmand province.
As we go about our daily lives, we tend to forget the dangers that our military personnel constantly face on the battleground of these two war-torn countries.
We add our message of sympathy and thanks to the many the family of Royal Marine Gostick will receive.
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