Morgan: Time to pay tribute to Welsh heroes
The Welsh First Minister has used his Christmas message to pay tribute to past, present and future heroes of Wales.
Describing Aneurin Bevan (who founded the NHS) as the “worthy winner” of this year’s poll of the 100 greatest Welsh, Rhodri Morgan said he had his own personal heroes to nominate.
These included footballer John Charles, Welsh Olympians and Paralympians.
Mr Morgan said: “This is an opportunity for me to pay tribute to members of all the emergency services in Wales – to the police, fire and ambulance services. Also to the volunteers in rescue services like the RNLI and Mountain Rescue who risk their lives every time they set out.
“I also want to pay a special tribute to Welsh soldiers serving abroad who face daily perils in the most volatile of situations. In particular, my thoughts are with the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, usually known as the Welsh Cavalry, who will be serving in Iraq and separated from their homes and families this Christmas.”
He added: “A special thank-you also goes to the doctors, nurses and other health professionals who will be working throughout Christmas and for the wonderful work they do throughout the year.”
And he called on the Welsh people as a whole to “not forget the huge army of unsung heroes who devote their lives to caring for relatives who may be elderly, chronically sick or disabled. Carers give their time and energy selflessly and make a huge difference to those who need care and support – often without respite or reward.”
