ONE of life’s hardest lessons is that you shouldn’t miss a chance to tell someone you appreciate them.
Eric Alley waited 70 years for official recognition of his efforts serving with the Arctic Convoys of World War Two.
But sadly, he died days before being handed his medal.
He had at least seen his award, so he knew that he and his fellow mariners were finally being given the honours they deserve. Unfortunately, there are only around 200 of them left.
It’s right that the country has expressed its gratitude – but perhaps the gesture shouldn’t have been left so long.
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