Saturday, 27th June is the United Kingdom's first Armed Forces Day. It's a government initiative designed to show support for those serving in the military. Flags will flutter from public buildings, bands will play and there'll be parades, concerts and celebrations of all kinds across the country.

The official inquiry into the Iraq war might produce some embarrassing revelations and provoke harsh comment, but few will begrudge expressions of thanks to those who've actually done the fighting there, or who continue to risk their lives in Afghanistan.

In this week's "All Things Considered" (Sunday, 21st June 08.31 am; repeated Wednesday, 24th June 6.30 pm) Roy Jenkins asks what place armed forces have in a modern society. Could we survive without them? And - a question addressed through the centuries - how can Christians following a Lord who told them to love their enemies still manage to justify killing them.

Related websites:

The Fellowship of Reconciliation in Wales
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Christian Union
Ekklesia