A promise is a promise. Keep your word.
In 2009, while on a 2-week leave, soldiers and best friends British Army Privates Barry Delaney and Kevin Elliott were having a conversation in the latter’s home. Kevin was previously deployed in Iraq. He admitted that he was scared to be deployed to Afghanistan, remembering a promise they both made to each other years back.
Their deal was, whoever dies first, the survivor will have to attend the funeral wearing a pink dress with green spots.
8 weeks later, on August 31, 2009, Private Elliot was tragically killed in action while deployed in Afghanistan. Remembering the promise, Delaney kept his word. However, he couldn’t find the dress with the exact description they both agreed to. Thinking of a replacement, he wore a lime green dress with pink socks.
“There were a few raised eyebrows, a few looks, but everyone was aware of the promise I had made to Kevin,” Delaney said. In one instance, Delaney asked his deceased friend if he liked the dress he was wearing. Bursting into tears, he knew there was never going to be any reply.
Delaney’s brother is also named Kevin, and quoting Guff, he said, “Kev will always be remembered for being a really fun-loving bloke who loved a laugh. I’m sure if he was watching what was going on, he would have been having a right good chuckle to himself.”
Black Watch welfare officer Captain Lorne Campbell, also paid tribute to the fallen soldier and said, “We will not forget the sacrifice, giving his life, protecting his friends, representing his regiment and his country, and so that the people of Afghanistan might have a better future.”
“He was such a livewire, always full of energy. Every moment with Kevin was a good time. He wanted to put a smile on everyone’s face,” Delaney said, recalling the good times with his best friend, Kevin Elliott.
▼ Here is a video in tribute to fallen soldier, Private Kevin Elliott:
Images credits: © The Guardian UK
