BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007

Subject: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: gnu
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 07:40 AM

Lest we forget.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: maeve
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 08:32 AM

Thanks, gnu. I've always liked that one. I'll put out our flags.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Micca
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 08:34 AM

This morning I will go and watch the Armistace Day parade, in a strange city, in a strange land, of men,Veterans, from wars I, and my country, some of which we were not directly involved in and its seems right to do so, in respect for all who gave their lives in any war, Police action, Peace keeping force, etc. With Respect
Micca

" Keep the home fires burning
while your hearts are yearning
tho' the lads are far away
they dream of home
theres a silver lining
through the dark clouds shining
turn the dark clouds inside out
when the Boys come home!
Ivor Novello

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: artbrooks
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 09:19 AM

Arthur C. Brooks, Jr.
    1920-2007
World War II and Korea

Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, with his comrades, on September 24, 2007.

RIP, Dad. My flag is flying.

Subject: Lyr Add: IMAGINE (John Lennon)
From: bobad
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 09:25 AM

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

John Lennon

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Chorusgirl
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 10:18 AM

Lovely words - so talented wasnt he?
Had a few tears in front of the tele this morning - all those people's lives that have been affected.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: gnu
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 11:39 AM

From the thread above the line that I was just informed of....

Subject: RE: BS: Armistice Day Thread - Monitored please
From: Megan L - PM
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 05:13 AM

Remembrance day

Marching to the cenotaph
With glory in their eyes
Old men proudly marching Oh don't they realise

But they were at the battle
The heard the sounds of war
They came back the jobless
Wondering what it was for

Friends so young were dying
so cheap the price of life
Widows, children crying
So dear the price of strife

Marching to the cenotaph
With memories in their eyes
Old men slowly marching
Their memory never dies.

Thursday 8th November 1984
MBL

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 12:15 PM

John Lennon???

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Cats
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 12:59 PM

Today we will remember our grandfathers in WW1. Jon's grandfather went into No Mans Land and brought back an injured colleague under fire. For that heroism he was cited for a VC. My grandfather was a quaker and a member of the Society of Friends Ambulance Service who went into No Mans Land every day under fire and brought back young men who were injured and the dead. For that he was called a coward. All these years later we still cannot reconcile that.
We will also remember Percy Carhart, aged 19. Blown to pieces at Passendale. One of the Lost Gardeners of Heligan who now has a sprig of Heligan myrtle against his name at Tyne Cott. Jon took it out last week.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 06:13 PM

I always used to find it odd, to celebrate the act of war. When I was young it was so easy to laugh at the old folks marching. I hope I now know better. As the old folk do. As the relatives of the dead ones do. We don't celebrate the war. We celebrate the bravery of those who gave their lives for us. They didnt ask if it is right or wrong. They are not monsters waging war on innocent people. They are just men and women like you and I who found themselves at the wrong end of someone elses fight.

Celebrate their sacrifice. And remind the politicians who's fault it realy was.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Dave.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: bbc
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 06:51 PM

Sorry to hear of your dad's death, Art. I lost my dad on April 13th of this year, after an increasingly miserable 5 years in a nursing home. He was a veteran of World War II & the Korean Conflict. His earthly remains are interred at the Missouri Veterans Cemetary in Springfield, Missouri. His memory lives on in my heart & minds & in the character of me, my sister, & our children. I am confident that his spirit lives with God & that my dad awaits our reunion, by & by. I am glad that, each year, I've thanked him for his service to our country.

Here is a link to the photo set of my parents that I made on my flickr page:

My Folks

Rest in peace, Dad; I love you!

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 07:26 PM

does anyone know the name of the girl that sang the first pop song for this day i think her first name is toni but not to sure would be very greatfull if someone could tell me her name and track please thanks kyle

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Hawker
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 07:52 PM

My Youngest daughter Amber marched in the parade this morning, in her army cadet uniform. She looked so smart. My dad, from army stock, though he personally only served in National Service, and who never missed watching the parade on TV every Armistice Day, would have been so proud of her.
RIP Dad,
Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: The Walrus
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 07:54 PM

"From little town, in a far land, we came,
to save our honour and a world aflame;
by little town, in a far land, we sleep,
and trust those things we won to you to keep.

- Rudyard Kipling (1925).
(Epitaph for a Canadian War memorial)


Lest we forget.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Tig
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 08:00 PM

Cats. You say your Grandfather was called a coward.
Not by the ones he brought back at the risk of his life, or by the ones he served alongside. The rest do not matter and never will.

Badger

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 11:47 PM

I am here on the hotel computer in Washington DC right now...had a wonderful time. If you get a chance, go to the Korean Memorial at night in the mist and rain among the men in ponchos...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Janie
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 01:17 AM

Here in the USA, it is called Veteran's Day, but I think I much prefer Remembrance Day. It evokes so much more. Veteran tends to conjure up the uniform. Remembrance evokes the people wearing thoses uniforms, as well as all the others caught up in the terrible violence of war.

Art, neither our society or our government, to this day, has truly honored and recognized, that is, remembered, the young men and women, yourself included who were caught up in the Vietman war. We did you a grave disservice. I am so sorry about that.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: GUEST,PMB
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 05:10 AM

If only people remembered for 365 days a year, not just one... the UK would perhaps have a hundred - odd less of the poor young sods to remember.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 09:20 AM

Wilfred Chandler WW1 (No known grave, headstone in France)
Jack Chandler WW2 (buried Suda Bay, Crete)

My mother's eldest and youngest brothers.

RtS

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 09:38 AM

I was at the parade and service in Barnet.
I think that there were more people there this year.
I was glad that the cold rain ended just in time to spare the very elderly gentlemen and the very young children present.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: topical tom
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 11:23 AM

There is a very moving song but I remember neither the lyrics or the title.


       Something about "Don't laugh when Willy Walks by"?

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: goatfell
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 01:07 PM

I remember my family that fought in both world wars, my grandfathers and my Dad, My uncle Tom my uncle Robert and my mum.

Now they are heroes instead of someone being a sportsman/woman, who are not heroes at all because what did they do to save lives.

Tom age 42

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Megan L
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 01:14 PM

GRANDPA'S WAR

A little boy sat one day upon his Granddad's knee
"Why don't you wear your medals for everyone to see?
I'm sure you were a hero and won some battles too
Grandpa tell me the story, oh Gramps please tell me do."
The old man sadly shook his head as he on the child looked down
A lonely tear fell from his eye, his face it held a frown
"Oh hush noo bairn haud yer wheesht and dinna ask me mair
Yer spierin me o mony things that mak ma hert fu sair.
Hid's aft times that I'm mindin on those days o lang lang syne
And a the strong young village lads wha were guid friends o mine.
It's handsome we were as we marched away our captain to the fore
It's little did we realise how many'd see their hame no more.
For we were brave and young and strong, feared not the German gun
For we were ripe and likely lads just looking for the fun.

Ahm thinking now o Dauvit, much older than the rest
He had a wife and family and thought himself weel blest.
He didn't join our joyful song and when I spiered him why
He mourned there'd be so many wives on both sides left to cry.
We fought together in the trench Around us comrades fell
And every man there kent he'd seen the very bowels o hell.
A whiles efter Dauvit returned frae leave, a letter came frae hame
'We're gaun tae hae a bairn lad whit wid ye hae it's name'
He strutted like a peacock, ye'd hae thoucht it was his first
But lang ere he could see it the Hun had done his worst.
I was growing wiser now for in war youth's quickly lost
And in that mud and blood soaked world we paid a bitter cost.

One day we reached a village where other troops had been
And the things that we did witness there oh Lord they were obscene.
A young girl in a corner wept quietly where she lay
Her mind and body tortured, by those who'd ripped her dreams away.
A woman screams in anguish oe'r a dead child in the street
Is this the stinking enemy that we've been sent to beat?
And men , hands tied behind their backs a bullet in the head
Are lying silent in the wood. These lucky ones were dead!
"No lad I'll wear no medal so bold for all to see
Each holds to many memories that willna set me free.
A soldier is a soldier he'll aye answer to the call
The order is the order for which he'll ever fall.
So I'll be marchin wi the few as you see the parade go by
Then in the silence of my room
'I will remember them' and cry.
MBL


Private David Sinclair Cameron Highlanders
KIA 15th september 1914
5 months later his daughter was born Davidina Sinclair

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: DougR
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 06:08 PM

Jodie L. Richards, Pharmacist Mate 1st Class, U.S. Navy, May 13, 1926-May 8, 2006. WWII Veteran.
RIP

Your brother.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: gnu
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 04:47 PM

Got this today from a buddy of mine standing watch a long ways from home. I sent it to my bro, RCAF Airman Ret., and he said it is being circulated on the net with a request that it be forwarded to "everyone ya know". My buddy sent it to me without that request but I thought this would be a good place to send it...

>    A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM
>
>                        The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
>                        I gazed round the room and I cherished the
sight.
>                        My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
>                        My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
>                        Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
>                        Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
>                        The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
>                        Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
>
>                        My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
>                        Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
>                        In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
>                        So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
>                        The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
>                        But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
>                        Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
>                        Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in
the
> snow.
>
>                        My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
>                        And I crept to the door just to see who was
near.
>                        Standing out in the cold and the dark of the
night,
>                        A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
>                        A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
>                        Perhaps Canadian, huddled here in the cold.
>                        Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
>                        Standing watch over me, and my wife and my
child.
>
>                        "What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
>                        "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
>                        Put down your pack, brush the snow from your
> sleeve,
>                        You should be at home on a cold Christmas
Eve!"
>                        For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
>                        Away from the cold and the snow blown in
drifts..
>                        To the window that danced with a warm fire's
light
>                        Then he sighed and he said "Its really all
right,
>                        I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
>
>                        "It's my duty to stand at the front of the
line,
>                        That separates you from the darkest of times.
>                        No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
>                        I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before
me.
>                        My Gramps died at 'Dieppe on a day in
December,"
>                        Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram
always
> remembers."
>
>                        My dad stood his watch in that Korean Land',
>                        And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
>                        I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
>                        But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got
her
> smile.
>                        Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his
bag,
>                        Something red and, white, ... a Canadian flag.
>                        I can live through the cold and the being
alone,
>                        Away from my family, my house and my home.
>
>                        I can stand at my post through the rain and
the
> sleet,
>                        I can sleep in a trench with little to eat.
>                        I can carry the weight of killing another,
>                        Or lay down my life with my sister and
brother..
>                        Who stand at the front against any and all,
>                        To ensure for all time that this flag will not
> fall."
>
>                        "So go back inside," he said, "harbour no
fright,
>                        Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
>                        "But isn't there something I can do, at the
least,
>                        "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a
feast?
>                        It seems all too little for all that you've
done,
>                        For being away from your wife and your son."
>
>                        Then his eye welled a tear that held no
regret,
>                        "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
>                        To fight for our rights back at home while
we're
> gone,
>                        To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
>                        For when we come home, either standing or
dead,
>                        To know you remember we fought and we bled.
>                        Is payment enough, and with that we will
trust,
>                        That we mattered to you as you mattered to
us."

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 06:00 AM

Thanks Gnu.
Do we have an author's name?

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: gnu
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 01:53 PM

I would have gladly added it........

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Pistachio
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 02:04 PM

Thanks Gnu - and others - for these words.

I'm sitting here with a lump in my throat remembering how my Dad,1918-1984, Captain David McGregor, Royal Navy, used to stand so proud at the Rememberance Day Services. It was a long time before I realised that he mouthed the words because he couldn't sing in tune!

At a local college the youngsters are planning an event to remind people to Remember all those who served, were lost and those still involved in conflict and war. The date will be as near as they can get to Valentines Day (within in term time)and the Royal British Legion is givins them support. I think it is a great project. I'll be singing War Song by Linda Kelly. It was most interesting to observe 23 x 17yr olds reacting to the words - they were silent.
H.x

Lest we forget.
H.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 12:52 PM

+Whenever I am in a small town in Nova Scotia I always make it a point to visit memmorials; those lost at sea, those lost in mines and those lost in war. What makes me so sad it how many of the names carved in marble and granite are the same.Towns of a few hundred who have lost fathers and sons, generation after generation and are now losing daughters as well. In one town I was in there were 36 MacDonalds, 11 MacKenzies, 6 Macmasters and 3 Camerons. Locals told me that this all happened to a village of less than three hundred people in World Wars one and two. Why do we keep doing this.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Beer
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 02:40 PM

Spring Hill Nova Scotia is known for its mining tragedies and their great singer Ann Murry. However, in their local Legion is a plaque which states that per capita across Canada Spring Hill lost "X" number of people. I can't remember all that was said but I just sat there mesmerized by the number.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: gnu
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 06:20 PM

2008

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: GUEST,G.I. Joe
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 08:10 PM

Twas the night before Christmas, He lived all alone
In a one bedrom house made of plaster and stone

I had come down the chimney with presents to give
and just to see who in this home did live

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see
No tinsel, no presents , not even a tree

No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands

With medals and badges awards of all kinds
A sober thought came through my mind

For this house was different it was dark and dreary
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly

The soldier lay sleeping, silent all alone
curled up on the floor in this one bed room home

The face was so gentle the room in such disorder
Not how I pictured a United States soldier

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed

I realized the families that I saw this might
Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight

Soon round the world the children would play
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year
Because of the soldiers like the one lying here

I couldn"t help wonder how many lay alone
on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home

The very thought brought a tear to my eye
I dropped to my knees and started to cry

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice

I fight for freedom, I dont ask for more
My life is my God, My country, my corps

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep
I couldn't control it I continued to weep

I kept watch for hours so silent and still
and we both shivered from the cold nights chill

I didnt want to leave on that cold dark night
This guardian of honor so willing to fight

Than the soldier rolled over with a voice soft and pure
whispered "carry on santa,it's Christmass day all is secure

One look at my watch,and I knew he was right
"Merry Christmass my friend and to all a good night"

Sent to me last year by a very dear friend please pass it on

G.I. Joe

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Cats
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 01:47 AM

Crowdefcref, Hawker, Kev, Jon and I went to heligan on Saturday evening for a commemoration of the Lost gardeners of heligan. We sang some of the songs from Unsung Heroes and Jon sang his song about taking the sprig of Myrtle from heligan to Passchendaele for Percy Carhart. His great neice sat in the front row, we all stood at the back in tears. How Jon did it I don't know. There is now a bench in the Melon Yard where their names are written on the wall dedicated to them and if you are in Cornwall today there will be a gathering at 11am by the wall.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: eddie1
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 04:04 AM

Taffy Thomas, The Storyteller, tells a story of a pub in England where the lads gathered for a farewell drink before going off to the trenches in WW1. Each man hammered a coin into the beam to buy them a drink when they returned. Many of the coins are still there and a wreath is hung from that beam every Remembrance Sunday.
I'd like to think that there is a humanitarian reason behind some wars, unlike so much of what is happening today although the reason doesn't make any difference to those who fall.

Eddie

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Megan L
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 04:49 AM

War dead

In 1983 my new husband and I stood in a small churchyard in Wales looking sadly at a row of shiny gravestones each had the age of the young man each one had been on the Galahad. I remembered thinking that somewhere in Argentina someone could be standing beside a row of graves or a memorial for equally young lads from the Belgrano.


See my name all you who pass by
As you are now so once was I.
I was a son whose mother wept
I was the husband whose wife kept
A light in the window lest I should come
To find my way once more back home.
I was the brother whose sisters tears
shall wash my stone
I was the lover who will not come
the one who left you here alone.
I am your love
the memory that will not die
My name it matters not anymore
Rhys or Ramone we are the same
In death, a memory and nothing more

MHTBL


Unfortunately they are still dieing and with each conflict the ages dont seem to change.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 05:37 AM

Re Cats' first post, the explanation may partly be that certainly in some units it was punishable to venture into No Man's Land or even, when on watch duties, to expose more than the head above the trenches. To do either was to increase the likelihood of a non-fatal wound, which was often the only chance of getting out of the front line alive.

I can fully understand is why people joined up in the first place. What I never could understand, when reading books such as Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves, is what power on earth persuaded soldiers to return to the trenches after being allowed home on leave.

There are perhaps 100,000 villages in England. Of these, just 32 are what Arthur Mee deemed to be "thankful villages" - villages which have no Great War roll of honour because they lost no-one to the war. One of those is Maplebeck in Nottinghamshire, the next village but one from me. Like most of the 32 it is barely a village at all and comprises only a handful of people. Consequently it sent just two people to the war, and one of those was seriously injured.

Much the greatest proportionate losses were suffered by Serbia - one in four of the entire male population. In WW2 of course, with civilians brought squarely into the firing line, fatalities rose exponentially. More Russians died at Stalingrad than on both sides in WW1.

(The lines quoted by David el Gnomo were written by Laurence Binyon.)

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Greg F.
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 09:19 AM

So now every April I sit on me porch
And I watch the parade pass before me.
And I see my old comrades, how proudly they march
Reviving old dreams and past glory,
And the old men march slowly, all bone stiff and sore
They're tired old heroes from a forgotten war
And the young people ask "What are they marching for?"
And I ask myself the same question.
But the band plays Waltzing Matilda,
And the old men still answer the call,
But as year follows year, more old men disappear
Someday, no one will march there at all.

- Eric Bogle

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Hawker
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 09:36 AM

These are 2 from a selection of poems written by me over the years in remebrance of the fallen:

GIVE ME THE BLOOD RED POPPY
Give me the blood red poppy,
With one black beady eye
Bobbing in the wind
On hairy green stalk
Home to the spider
Jewel of the corn field
Cheery wayside friend
Beacon in the mud of Flanders
Flashing danger
And hope
Living among the dead
Give me the blood red poppy
Not a paper reproduction
Pinned on my chest
I would rather wear my heart
On my sleeve and say
Thank you
To those
Who, without ceremony
Gave their life
Rightly—or wrongly
I will remember
I do remember,
Who could forget?

WE WILL REMEMBER
Some in Khaki, Standing proud
Line upon line in village and town
They straight-back march past watching crowd
To remember.
They all wear a flower, red as blood
And on their faces, a diamond tear
None question their cause - The Greater Good
They Just remember.
They get fewer each year - or so it should be
But wars go on the whole world over
And sadness takes a hold of me
As I remember.
A memory, not from in my head,
A fragment of a passed down tale
From one who ran among the dead
And is remembered,
If I could tell each one dealt that bitter blow
We loved them, death was not in vain
Perhaps true peace their souls could know.........
But they remember!

Then of course there is my bttlefield tree song, which incidentally allures to someonr losing a leg. I discovered only yesterday that my grandfathers brother lost his leg in WWI - now I am curious to know the circumstances, I always felt that I didnt write the song, but more that it was given to me, was it perhaps him?

I agree remembering 365 days a year would make us all a little less ready to fight. Long may the men who defend our freedom eceive the respect they deserve.

btw Peter, I think Cat's grandfather, it says, was a Quaker, they are pacifists and do not believe in fighting - thus the Society of friends (another name for quakers)ambulance service was the only way they could reconcile their faith and take an active part in the war. Because they were seen to have shirked combat, they were looked upon as cowards, but what they faced in the pursuit of their service was nothing short of bravery. Its a sad old worrld sometimes.
Cheers, lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: kendall
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 09:40 AM

The star spangled banner and the cross of St. George are flying from our flag pole today.

I was wearing my cap that says US COAST GUARD on it when I went to get a blood test today. The nurse asked if I was a veteran and I said "Yes" She saluted me.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Cats
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 12:39 PM

The pub which is referred to by Taffy Thomas also has a song about it written by Andy Barnes. I'll hunt it out and put it up.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 02:50 PM

I was showing some old photos of my grandad to kids at school today. They were old post card size so I scanned them in to the computer and put them up on the smartboard. There from the trenches smiled back the face of my 21 year old son!! I'd never noticed the close resemblance on the small print but it was unmistakable. It shook me and really made me feel close to the man in the photo who sadly dies on 12th May 1917, Corporal A J Don MM.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Emma B
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 04:06 PM

I've just watched the most moving programme on TV
This Siegried Sassoon poem, which was accompanied by archive film of the 'survivors', was particularly powerful...


DOES it matter?--losing your legs?...
For people will always be kind,
And you need not show that you mind
When the others come in after hunting
To gobble their muffins and eggs.

Does it matter?--losing your sight?...
There's such splendid work for the blind;
And people will always be kind,
As you sit on the terrace remembering
And turning your face to the light.

Do they matter?--those dreams from the pit?...
You can drink and forget and be glad,
And people won't say that you're mad;
For they'll know you've fought for your country
And no one will worry a bit.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Sorcha
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 04:21 PM

How very moving, Em....War is Hell.

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Hawker
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 04:25 PM

The Call Of Duty
   

Bravest men we hailed them then
England sent her finest men
The war to end all wars to fight
A cause each one believed was right
And without a thought for their own lives
Left mothers, sisters, lovers, wives.

These were children, barely men
Set to fight a foe, and then
Return to fight another day
Till Fate delivered Judgement Day
Among the mud and stench of war
They rest their bones and breathe no more.

Lucy Burrow

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 10:13 PM

My mother was very proud of the time she served as a WAC during and right after WWII. In 1997 she attended the official opening of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington, D.C..

Instead of listing this again at eBay, it occurs to me that there is probably more interest in something like this here at Mudcat than in the general population at eBay. So I've added it to the Mudcat auction, all proceeds to go Mudcat. It's from a non-smoking household and was barely worn, if at all.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Beer
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 09:15 AM

You have inspired me to do the same SRS. I will be listing a book out of my collection that are signed. The title of is:"Our Bit" by a war service nurse. This book is signed by the author and on the inside cover is a newspaper clipping of her death. In checking the antique dealers who sell books on a web site, I see that there are only 9 books out there. None are signed. I will put a reserve bit on it if it is possible as it certainly is worth more than say $10.00.

100% of the sale will go to Mudcat.

Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: John J
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 06:20 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 07:09 AM

This in memory of my father-in-law, Tom Huyton (Royal Signals, Sgt.) , and his Comrades of the Burma Star Association, who, like Tom, fought at Kohima.

When you go home, tell them of us, and say :

'For your tomorrow, we gave our today'.

Lest we forget . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: kendall
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 07:44 AM

It's Tommy this and Tommy that and Tommy, how you been"?

Subject: RE: BS: Remembrance Day, Nov 11, 2007
From: ranger1
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 09:00 PM

Supporting those who serve and remembering those who fell isn't the same as being pro-war. Next time have the guts to sign your name, Guest.

While going through some of my dad's things, I found my great-uncle Napoleon's certificate of service for WWI. It was out in a box in the barn and I'm amazed the mice hadn't eaten it. He was one of the lucky ones who made it home.

My maternal grandfather fought in the Italian campaign in WWII. He came home with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a cluster. He never told us how he got them. When my mom and my step-dad started dating, she was a little uneasy bringing him home to meet my grandfather because Uli's German, but my grandfather said it wasn't an issue because: "They were scared kids, just like us."