Forget the issue of army politics. Forget the wrangling with Europe and Italy over illegal immigrants. Forget it all just for an instant.

Today the Armed Forces of Malta will hold a remembrance ceremony for those young men who tragically lost their lives on patrol boat C-23 while on a routine operation to dispose of illegally manufactured fireworks 25 years ago to the day.

Five uniformed army personnel and two police officers died when something caused the explosives on board the vessel to ignite. The result was catastrophic – only one person survived. Today will see the fruition of many months of activity within the AFM’s Maritime Squadron as a memorial they have crafted themselves. And what a fitting tribute.

While the AFM is at the butt of the argument regarding the Search and Rescue area and tit-for-tats over illegal immigration, this newspaper feels that it should be pointed out that the men and women who are in the ranks of the army are dedicated people.

While Malta does not have the standing army of say, the UK, the US or Italy, it has a long standing and fine tradition. Whenever one speaks to officers from either NATO Forces in the Mediterranean and others, they only have words of praise for the dedication which AFM members go about their jobs.

With meager resources and a great deal of ingenuity, young men and women patrol the high seas in weather that would make the most courageous amongst us cower in fear. Others deal with the frustration heaped on them by migrants who are in detention on a daily basis.

Others, have paid the ultimate sacrifice – as being commemorated today – in service of their country. We are all very wise in hindsight and no one would consider taking on the job which these men did in the year 2009. But they had their orders, and they followed them to the letter.

It takes a very special breed of man or woman to devote themselves to the service of their country. Malta, so small, yet so proud. And the people that make up our armed forces are the proudest of the lot. They are not the best paid of people, but they have a sense of discipline and self sacrifice which is second to none.

One also must mention young Gunner Matthew Psaila, another who lost his life in the service of his country. The purpose of this editorial is not to pass judgment over the army and its politics. It is also not written to question the ethos of human migration and the way individual states have tackled the problem. It is also not to pass judgment over orders which were issued. The purpose is merely to show recognition to those people who decide to join our Armed Forces and defend our country. Whether that means winching down off a helicopter to save someone, manning a checkpoint, being on guard duty, watching over immigrants or even standing guard at the airport is irrelevant. They all make sacrifices. They all have a vocation.

Being in the army is in itself an element of danger. There will always be casualties and there will always be tragedies. There will also be success and there will also be beautiful moments, such as when AFM personnel rescue newborn babies from cramped immigrant boats. No matter what the political rows are about, Maltese and Gozitan people should be thankful of such dedicated professionals. We owe you a lot.