For christ sake, it's not just for the Queens Birthday, it's to remind Britain that there are still men and women putting their life on the line in mickey mouse wars.
Unfortunatley the British public are embroiled in a world cup and big brother frenzy at the moment and need a gentle reminder that there are things a million times more important going on in iraq and Afganistan.
A bit of pomp and circumstance is a good thing in todays age of Ipod and Jade Goody.
So what if it cost a bit of fuel, if it puffs out the chest of all the veterans of Britains escapades then good for them.