What I can say is that U.S. forces helped to provide urgent medical support at the scene of the incident, something for which I know our forces are grateful.

A major enhancement of the coalition's capabilities.

[Another 400 Marines will return to Britain from the training exercises,] but will be held at a high readiness, ... This arrangement will permit us to rotate companies aboard ship and so guarantee the whole Commando remains fresh and fully prepared for operations.

I know that these events have encouraged veterans to talk about their wartime experience, some for the first time, and pass on their own family's story to younger generations giving them the opportunity to keep these memories alive.

Among the best equipped in the world, ready to face environments ranging from desert conditions in Iraq, monsoon conditions in Brunei, to winter in the Balkans.

A submarine presence able to launch Tomahawk missiles.

We are there for weapon collection, not to work a green line between the two sides, not to peace-make or to peace-keep and not to pursue one group against another. If it does go pear-shaped, then this force will have to terminate.

We have said we are in this for the long haul and we mean it.

This year's commemorative events have enabled us to demonstrate to those who lived through the war at home and abroad that the sacrifices their generation made and the hardships they endured are still acknowledged, valued and appreciated.