Minister mourns lives lost during RBL service marking 10 years since end of Op Herrick

The Royal British Legion has held an event to mark the 10th anniversary of the end of Operation Herrick.

It took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and was attended by scores of veterans and serving personnel who served in Afghanistan.

Veterans Minister Al Carns laid a wreath and spoke to BFBS Forces News about the "deep and meaningful moment".

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"I did five tours in Afghanistan, every time a Last Post goes I remember every individual that was lost or, indeed, was wounded when I was serving," said the minister.

Mr Carns, a former colonel in the Royal Marines, added: "It's a really deep and meaningful moment for me, it always is, but it's really important we remember those individuals that have sacrificed so much."

The Last Post rang out as wreaths were laid at the Armed Forces Memorial marking 10 years since Operation Herrick ended and Camp Bastion was handed over to the Afghans.

Two hundred and thirty-five guests included the serving and veteran communities of Afghanistan, the families of those who served, and those who worked as civilian contractors supporting UK forces and civil society during the conflict.

The RBL-organised event concluded with stones being laid at the Afghanistan memorial wall.