As the death toll of British troops in Afghanistan reached 200 this week, more names have been added to the the roll call of brave men who died serving their country.
And for every casualty, there are of course countless friends and family who have to deal with that loss. Sky News today features an interview with the parents of John Thornton, a Royal Marine who was killed in an explosion while on active duty in Helmand Province last year.
In the report below, there is an incredibly heart-wrenching clip of John's brother's wedding, where he had been due to be best man: his brother reads out a letter John had sent him "just in case the worst happened", the words of which epitomise the fallen soldier's sense of duty - and sense of humour.
It is humbling stuff and I can only salute the bravery of John and those like him who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who remain to this day in warzones overseas.
