The D-Day commemoration programmes on television made compulsive viewing.

This nation and Europe should be eternally grateful to all involved.

The biggest sea-borne invasion in history was accomplished by persons in their twenties. Those who were spared are now in their eighties.

Did you know that our Chancellor of the Exchequer, the over-prudent Gordon Brown, allows these heroes an extra 25p per week pension. This is a shocking national scandal.

At the very least these folk should not have to pay council tax. After all, there are more illegal immigrants sponging off the State than there are pensioners entitled to the extra 25p.

Considering our troops freed Europe from the tyrant German dictator Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party, surely our government could claim compensation from the European Union for our pensioners who achieved the impossible in 1944.

It is uncanny how our nation can provide the right people at the right time.

To name but three, Sir Winston Churchill, our leader during the Second World War, Viscount Bernard Montgomery, a compassionate Commander of the British Army and our dear Dame Vera Lynn, the forces' sweetheart, who raised the morale of the British forces. Thank you all.

-Roy V Hilliard, Portslade