The three noble marines, killed in service while training in a harsh landscape in the friendliest nation on the earth surely proves that sometimes warfare has cruel irony. (Corps ‘deeply saddened’ as Defense Minister pays tribute, 30/8). Theodore Roosevelt was right to preach “speak softly and carry a big stick”, a paradigm that a very well trained and resourced military is likely to avoid war by being ever-ready. As these valiant souls’ identities emerged on the pages of the Daily Telegraph, their proud stance, uniformed excellence, engaging eyes and humanising names established their very real and valuable lives in our national psyche. It might be some comfort for their loved ones to know their deaths were not in pitched battle with a heinous enemy willing their deaths in cruel acrimony. They left this world surrounded with friends, who will always love them. Such sacrifice is worthy of our heartfelt salute. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta. 31Aug2023.