Express & Star comment: We salute the Invictus Games heroes
They are the pride of the Black Country.
Three heroes are returning home after a triumphant week at the Invictus Games, the international sporting event created by Prince Harry to shine a spotlight on the unconquerable character of servicemen and women who have suffered injury or illness in the service of their countries.
Karl Hinett, Dave Watson and Clive Smith do not just return home covered in glory for their sporting prowess.
They are a symbol of indomitable spirit, and a reminder of the huge debt this country owes to them and their colleagues, past and present.
In less than a fortnight’s time this country will stop for two minutes’ silence as we mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, at 11am on November 11.
Since 1919, Remembrance Day has been the one moment in the year set aside to pay tribute to the dead and wounded, not just of that first Great War, but of all the conflicts since then – large and small.
But for those wounded in body, mind or spirit in the service of this country, our debt goes far beyond that one day.
They must live every day, every hour, every minute bearing the cost of their sacrifice. It is our duty, our responsibility and our honour to remember them and do all that we can, to enable them to live the fullest lives possible.
Launching the games four years ago Prince Harry – himself of course a veteran of the war in Afghanistan – said the Games would “demonstrate the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and demonstrate life beyond disability”.
Our three Black Country heroes are a testament to Prince Harry’s ambition.
Karl Hinett has brought home a silver in the 1,500 metres in his first ever games.
The 31-year-old joined the Staffordshire regiment in 2004, aged 17 and was just five months into his service when he suffered 37 per cent burns to his face, hands, arms, stomach and legs during a riot in Iraq.
Dave Watson from Halesowen, who lost his legs and most of his right arm to an IED in Afghanistan, brought two golds in the shotput and discus and two silvers in rowing, while Clive Smith from Walsall, who lost both his legs above the knee after a blast in Afghanistan in 2010, captained Team UK to silver in the wheelchair rugby.
They fill our hearts with pride. We salute them.
