God save the Queen

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Sep 01 - 12:35 AM

Is Kendall the Cloth-eared Twit related to Gladly the Cross-eyed Bear?

Seamus

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Ferret
Date: 16 Sep 01 - 03:24 PM

All this talk of foods makeing me hungry.

ferret

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 16 Sep 01 - 07:49 AM

You're right Ebbie - sausages come from a differnet city again. Frankfurt.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: kendall
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 10:41 PM

How do you make "A hamburger" out of I am a Berliner?

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 10:07 PM

*LOL* That I DIDN'T know.....(though if I had, I'd have still posted it...though perhaps in a different Thread.....*G*)

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 09:56 PM

Surely not a sausage, McGrath? I thought it was a pastry? (Not that it makes much difference.) I thought it was as if we went to Denmark and informed an audience that we were a Danish. One is jargon and the other is factual- both are correct.

And again- I could be wrong.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: DougR
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 09:36 PM

I didn't know that, McGrath. That's funny! Wouldn't you think somebody on Kennedy's staff would have picked up on that? I'm still laughing!

DougR

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 09:22 PM

Of course that lost some of its impact in Germany since a Berliner is a sort of sausage - it was a bit as if he had said "I am a Hamburger". Which didn't mean the sentiment wasn't appreciated.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 15 Sep 01 - 09:14 PM

I suppose it echoes Kennedy a little bit...

"Ich bein ein Berliner"

(apologies if I've spelt that inaccurately)

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Amos
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 11:50 PM

In addition tothe above heart-rending displays of solidarity, a Fench (I think) woman was quoted in todays running review of events and investigations and so on that "In the final analysis, we are ALL Americans." What a way to put it!! What an amazing line!!

For some reason this opened a lock gate for me; the humanity and the alliance of feeling humans all over the world against insanity made me break down and weep for a short while. It restores a great deep faith in me that our species is sound, strong, and will come through adversity with honor and whatever grace it can find to bring to play.

A

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: DonMeixner
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 11:19 PM

Now I see that all of Europe seemed to stop what it was doing for prayers for the United States, Fire fighters in Budapest, Guards in England, People on the streets everywhere, I am humbled.

Don

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: CRANKY YANKEE
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 11:02 PM

Thank you Mother. (The Mother Country)

When I was an Air Traffic Controller in the USAF between 1947 and 1963, my collegues sometimesw referred to me as "The un-flappable" because I never showed any emotion or change in my demeanor. This trait was cultivated over a period of two or three years. But, what they didn't know (until now) was that my eyes turn into water faucets at the movies, or watching television, or when the Coldstream Guards play The Star Spangled Banner.

Love and Kisses.
Jody Gibson

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Ferret
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 09:35 PM

Paul if you need to rambl then rambl.

and to all the of the USA, in the words of the song "you'll never walk alone"

be strong ferret

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 08:06 PM

I dont think we were saying you were wrong matey.... just 'expanding' on what you'd said.

To just explain to our Cousins, Hull & its immediate environs, contains just over 300,000 people.... that maybe makes it pretty small in American terms, I dunno. But Hull, despite being referred to as 'a North-East Coast town' during WW11, as Willa said, was at that time (or just after then) the 10th biggest City in either England, or in the UK. Its now somewhere between the 12th, or the 15th...I cant quite remember. Its just that even in THIS country, nobody seems to know about it!

I'm rambling...as I'm apt to do....sorry.....*G*

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 07:54 PM

Willa,Cobble & Paul-Sorry, I should not have written what I did, I was just repeating what some people think of our city, this was wrong.Sorry.john

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Gareth
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 07:45 PM

I beg to remind all catters that Her Majesty lost familly to freedom fighters - Lord Louis Mountbatten, and children who went sailing with him.

Gareth

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: DougR
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 07:05 PM

Kendall, I agree with you. They didn't hit us just because we support Isrial. We are the big Satan to them.

DougR

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 07:03 PM

Hmmm...thats not QUITE what I meant....Sorry

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 06:58 PM

Well said Willa....(hello, m'dear....*S*)

I NEARLY posted something last night, when I saw Johns post, but it would, to me,have seemed trite, because I can't draw on the personal 'connections' that Willa can. Thus the 'comparison' cant REALLY be drawn with what Hull went through then, with what happened on Tuesday....Willa can however make that comparison with the Rescue Services.

I wasnt yet born in the War, but the 'feeling' of what Hull went through still 'pervades' through the City...at a time like this, it can be felt even more...

Paul

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: DonMeixner
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 06:56 PM

Kendall,

I was driving in the car and I heard the news report on NPR about changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and her orders to the band to play The American National Anthem. I was choked from the first bar. The President of France called for the same. I am now less afraid than before and honored that we have such friends and loyal opponents around the world.

God save the Queen, my eternal thanks to the people of Great Britain and France.

Don Meixner

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Cobble
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 06:41 PM

Willa.... Well said. Hull took a beating in WW2. My Mother was an Ambulance driver in Hull during the war, she always found that time very difficult to talk about. It can't have been nice pulling kids out of bombed schools.

Blessings to all the aid workers in NY and DC

Mrs C.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Willa
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 04:28 PM

John in Hull. no,we're not 'just a little fishing village'. Those pictures of the aftermath were all too horribly familiar to me. I was born in the City of Hull, a 'North East Coast Town' as it was described during the '39-'45 war. 90% of its buildings were damaged or destroyed during those years; yes 90%- and thousands of its people killed or injured. The people of Hull have particular cause to grieve with the people of America. My father was a firefighter during the war, and like many of his colleagues, died young of lung cancer - protective gear can be a hindrance when you're digging bare-handed. I gather 200 firefighters were lost in NY. As usual, the emergency services did, and are doing, a magnificent job.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Ferret
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 02:34 PM

The Memorial at St, Paul's started with the Star Spangled Banner and ended with God save the Queen. A very moving memorial. Here in Kent UK at 11.00 there was complete silence and all the flags here are at half mast.

May the gods bless you all ferret

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: sian, west wales
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 02:28 PM

The St. Paul's service is apparently going to be broadcast (BBC2?) tonight at 8.00 (3.00 in New York, I guess). Don't know if it will be available on-line at all, but it sounded very moving. Opened with the USA anthem.

Sian

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 09:12 AM

I caught some of the memorial from St. Paul's on the car radio - the last number was the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic'...

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: The Walrus at work
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 08:56 AM

No man is an Island entire of itself...
Every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the Main;
any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind;
and, therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee"

John Donne, 1624

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 08:28 AM

Her Royal Highness even interrupted her hols! (Not in time to be at Buck House for the Star Spangled Banner, of course, but she did send her second son along.) The last time she broke off her holidays early, and the last time she authorised a breach of Royal Protocol (to fly the flag at half mast) was after Princess Di's death. Both those gestures were made at gunpoint. (She was persuasively advised that if she didn't, she would be booed at the funeral.)

Our gracious queen is learning fast, but I suspect too late, and we can surely now anticipate the death of this anachronistic institution.

It is welcome news that the last night of the Proms, which for many years has shamed the finest music festival in the world, is to be denuded of its jingoistic absurdities. Sad only that it took such a catastrophe to get us out of that particular rut. Land of Hope and Glory is gone, hopefully for ever, as Elgar himself would surely have wished. In its place, the inspired last movement of Beethoven;s Ninth Symphony than which there is nothing in the world more appropriate for the momeht.

It is surely time for all countries, not least America, to rethink some of their outdated nationalist symbolism and start recognising that we are all firstly citizens of the world. And don't forget that behind the title of this thread is a song/hymn that has absolutely no place in any pluralist multi-religious, multi-ethnic civilised society.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Dahlin
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 08:14 AM

I believe they marched in to Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever and then played The Star Spangled Banner. In any case it was an emotional moment even watching it on television.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 08:07 AM

I am a Monarchist, and to all Americans know this. We are related by blood, and kindred spirit to America. We have close cultural and historical ties to most countries in the world. This attack on you, is an attack on humanity. The fact that America divorced us in 1776 doesnt mean we dont love you as a relative. After the lessons of two world wars we know who our allies are, and swore with the other members of NATO to support you. The terrible final option must once again be used in order to preserve freedom and democracy. Our people know the terrible consequences of war. To paraphrase Winston Churchill (whose mother was American) We are a hard people to anger, but once you have driven us to the hard school of war have proven to be attentive students. Now we have graduated with honours; and are skilled enough to teach you terrorists a badly needed lesson; and we shall! Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: kendall
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 07:34 AM

If we were hit just because we support Isreal, what about all those countries that support us? Are they next?

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Greyeyes
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 05:10 AM

Purely on a point of pedantry, it was not the first time that "Star Spangled Banner" had been played at Buckingham Palace, but at the specific instruction of the Queen it was played before the UK National Anthem, a completely unique breach of royal protocol.

For what it's worth, we will be observing the 3 minutes silence at work today, and people are queuing to sign the book of condolence that has been made available in the Mayor's Parlour. Tomorrow across the UK all football and rugby matches will be preceded by 3 minutes silence, and all players will wear black armbands.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Cappuccino
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 04:02 AM

Liz, with regard to 'those who went back to help', I have been thinking constantly, ever since the first 'list of casualties' thread, about seeing the name of the chaplain to the fire department, who was apparently an early casualty. I can't get it out of my head that their chaplain was right there, serving in the front line... I keep thinking about him.

Although I work alone, at home, I think I too wil observe the silence.

- IanB

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 02:50 AM

I saw and heard it on my television. It was very moving. Especially when I saw the the genuine emotion and pain that I saw on the faces of the people who were there to watch.

My thanks to the Queen, and to all of the people all over the world who are showing so much empathy and compassion to those of us here.

I understand that significant numbers of citizens of countries other than the US were lost or are missing. I heard that the number for Britian alone may be as high as five hundred. So I send my sincere condolences to anyone, anywhere in the world, who lost a loved one or friend as a result of the events on Tuesday.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 01:15 AM

It isn't just Buck House flying the flag at half mast, I can see at least 3 from my building (thanks Daily Express for naming us as a potential target, being a tall, government building in Central London.....), and they are all lowered. A silent gesture, the best sort as far as I'm concerned. If only Blair were of the same opinion......

And another silent gesture. Our building will be observing the silence called for at 11.00 today. Some of us don't have specific people to think of, so I'll be thinking of all those who went back to help and were silenced forever.

LTS

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: DougR
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 01:02 AM

Sorry, McGrath. I didn't go back and read Kendall's original posting again and thought it was the Queen Mother that ordered the performance. It was the Queen, and I was wrong.

I'll start over.

It was nice of the Queen to do that.

DougR

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: ScottyG
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 12:54 AM

I was glad to see Paul from Hull's post with the Open Letter to a Terrorist. I received that one from a friend of mine today, and it cheered me a little. I got the one below a little while later, and it was right on time to prop me back up, as I had just learned that a business acquaintance of mine is among those missing in the Pentagon strike. I thought it appropriate to post it here and I hope it gives heart to those who need it most. I haven't read through other threads on the tragedy, so I apologize if someone else has posted this. * * * * * *
I see some of these fanatical people in Pakistan, Afghanistan, the West Bank, and even Belgium (yes, Belgium per a personal experience) celebrating our misfortune and burning my flag. Thought I'd bring a positive, gracious commentary on how unique and amazing this nation and its people are. You may have seen this before, however, it doesn't hurt to read it twice...take the commentary personally and be proud that someone thinks of us with such high regard.

This, from a Canadian newspaper, is worth sharing.

America: The Good Neighbor.

Widespread but only partial news coverage was given recently to a remarkable editorial broadcast from Toronto by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian television Commentator. What follows is the full text of his trenchant remarks as printed in the Congressional Record:

"This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the earth. Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in billions of dollars and forgave other billions in debts.

None of these countries is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to the United States. When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it.

When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United States that hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped. The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars into discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing about the decadent, warmongering Americans.

I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplane. Does any other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10. If so, why don't they fly them? Why do all the International lines except Russia fly American Planes?

Why does no other land on earth even onsider putting a man or woman on the moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy, and you get radios. You talk about German technocracy, and you get automobiles. You talk about American technocracy, and you find men on the moon - not once, but several imes - and safely home again.

You talk about scandals, and the Americans put theirs right in the store window for everybody to look at. Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here on our streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here.

When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke.

I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake.

Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada is not one of those."

Stand proud, America! Wear it proudly!!

* * * * * * * * *
I know it was a bit lengthy, but it moved me so much, I had to share it. I have to say also, that the tears streamed freely when my wife called me to tell me about the Queen's gesture. Thank you, all of you across the pond who have poured out your support and comforting words.

Scott

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 14 Sep 01 - 12:14 AM

I'm with you on this kendall. I've been holding together through all of this, but when I saw and heard a part of the Star Spangled Banner being played at Buckingham Palace, I finally lost it. It was a very gracious and compassionate gesture. Heartfelt appreciation from this American. KT

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Bert
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 11:00 PM

Actually Troll, I think you speak for a hell of a lot of Americans.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Troll
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 10:52 PM

Thank you M'am. I can speak only for myself, but thank you.

troll

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 10:39 PM

I have just read Cetic Souls post "Thank you guys in Hull & the rest of England" I suppose with the number of Catters in Hull, people could think Hull is the capital of England! We are just a little fishing village on the east coast. :-)

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 10:30 PM

You'd probably like what Prince Charles had to say about it too. Sometimes referred to as a big-eared twit, but I've always quite liked him.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 10:14 PM

Apologies, then, for thinking that kendall might be the cloth eared twit.......and my best to HRH for the gesture. Now, back to "The Birds".

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: kendall
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 09:59 PM

Punctuation is VITAL folks.

This remindes me of the 3 old guys driving through Massachusettes. One says "Is this Wellsley"? another said "No, it's Thursday." the third said "Me too, let's stop for a drink."

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 09:59 PM

Someone please bow very deeply to the Queen for me if you ever get the chance. And if anyone ever gets a word in with her, tell her that at least one American was very touched.

I am amazed at the support, love and encouragement that have come from Britain, Canada, and other nations.

Thank you, you guys in Hull and the rest of England. And all you folk in Ireland, Scotland, Wales. And you Nordic types. And of course all you Canadians, and the list goes on.

We Americans might be rude sometimes when we travel, but we appreciate you. A great deal. From this American to the lot of you, a heartfelt thank you.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: kendall
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 09:55 PM

gottcha, but, I did say that I SAW it on the news. Telly news, not radio. Churchill was right!

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: InOBU
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 09:54 PM

Well, I have always concidered it a great honnor to be a citizen, so, I hope my British friends will recognise the honor, when I say, Thank you Ms. Windsor. Larry.

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 09:51 PM

McGrath said:

Do I take it the cloth-eared twit kendall heard on the radio who couldn't tell the difference between it and the star-spangled banner was an American?

Unless Kendall was the person on the radio hearing himself, he was not the cloth-eared twit.

Now if McGrath had have reffered to the cloth-eared twit, Kendall, heard on the radio, matters may be more certain!

Jon

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Noreen
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 09:45 PM

No-one said kendall was a cloth-eared twit, .... read it again.

If I may add a word, Kevin, to make it clearer?

Do I take it the cloth-eared twit THAT kendall heard on the radio ... was an American?

Having met Mr McGrath in person recently, I am sure he isn't likely to be gratuitously offensive...

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 09:38 PM

Pardonable misunderstanding there - the term "cloth-eared twit" referred to the fella on the radio whom kendall mentioned. I take it that kendall can tell the difference between his National Anthem and the Stars and Stripes Forever, or he would be a cloth-eared twit too.

My implication was that, if you have a radio announcer on an American station who can't tell the difference, he or she is a funny sort of American. (Or possibly tone deaf as King George V was, I believe - I think I read somewhere that the only way he could tell they were playing God Save the King was because everyone stood up for it.)

Subject: RE: God save the Queen
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Sep 01 - 09:24 PM

1) kendall is NOT a cloth eared twit.
2) yes, kendall is in the US.
3) any other questions?