Beer for Our Afghanistan Bound Soldiers
The elite Parachute Regiment based in Colchester has the backing of its local pub ‘The Fox and Fiddler’ to the point that is it now brewing a special beer for the soldiers that are heading to Afghanistan on active duty.
The beer has been given the name ‘Every Man an Emperor’ which may well not go down well with Afghanistan’s who are sensitive on the subject of foreign troops in their land.
Pub landlord Jeff Wright said "I just wanted to do a little something myself to send them on their way.” This statement was distributed by the Minister of Defence who has given their full backing to the initiative.
“Thirty pence from every pint of beer sold will go towards a charity of the Para’s choosing” he added.
ame "Every Man an Emperor" was taken from a speech that Field Marshall Montgomery made about the Parachute Regiment in 1944 and has since become an unofficial motto of the force.
"I think it's a fantastic idea," said Major Paul Blair, a commander in the regiment.
"It's important to the Parachute Regiment to make close links with our local community and I think this is a sign of the success of that bond."
Name of Beer may Offend Afghans
Although the beer will certainly go down well at home and the soldier will enjoy their cold drink, the name will not be met with cheer by the Afghans.
Throughout the 19th century Afghanistan has been a target of Britain’s imperial ambitions and any such mention can cause offence among those that are in full support of the Taliban.
An official at the Afghan embassy in London said he didn't think the name would go down well in Kabul, but declined further comment.
The Ministry of Defence said there should be "no suggestion of British imperial designs over Afghanistan".
"It's an independent, locally generated initiative to support the troops," a spokesman said.
The fact that the drink in itself is alcoholic in a country that consumption is frowned upon is enough to cause offence. Alcohol is certainly available in Afghanistan but religious and government authorities are making huge efforts to clamp down on the distribution of the ‘evil’ drink.
For the 7,700 British troops that are stationed in Afghanistan I’m sure this beer will bring a welcome thirst quencher and give them a little bit of ‘back home’ feeling while they are far away from their loved ones.