Britain’s Prince Harry paid tribute to those who lost their lives at war in Afghanistan at the Bastion Memorial Service yesterday (11.06.15).
The 30-year-old royal – who served two tours of Afghanistan himself – led a service to honour the 453 British men and women who died during the conflict at the inauguration of the memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
During an emotional speech, he said: "As we sit here amongst friends, we can take comfort in the knowledge that they gave their lives doing a job they loved, for a country they loved, and amongst mates who loved them dearly."
The memorial was blessed by the Archbishop of Canterbury at a commemoration service at St Paul’s Cathedral in March and features the names of all personnel who died in the region as well as a cross made of shell casings from the original memorial wall in Camp Bastion.
The flame-haired prince added: "The names of the fallen shine in gold, as they do in our memories … Every person who serves their country pays a price. For some it is a tie away from their families. Others pay the ultimate price."
Placing a wreath of poppies on the monument, he added: "The fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters named on this memorial, will forever be in our thoughts and prayers, as are those who miss them so dearly."
Harry also took time to speak to those who lost their loved ones and even fist bumped a young boy in attendance.
Prince Harry pays tribute to fallen soldiers
