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Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem)
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Subject: BS: Armistice Day - monitored From: GUEST,mg Date: 09 Nov 06 - 04:30 PM Tomorrow being Armistice Day, a salute to all who are serving or have served or who have lost friends and family. Request for monitoring submitted because of wish for a place for any supportive regards or telling of family histories. Non-monitored thread will be started for those with other viewpoints. mg I will monitor this for you, mg. Please respect the wishes of the author of the thread. Mudelf. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice Day USA - monitored From: Big Mick Date: 09 Nov 06 - 04:49 PM Thanks for starting this one, mg. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: Herga Kitty Date: 09 Nov 06 - 05:08 PM Mudelf - none of the posts you've transferred to other threads had dissenting viewpoints about respecting the fallen, only about the date on which this is commemorated in Canada, UK and USA. Kitty I understand, Kitty. And any discussion of that can take place in the unmoderated thread. mg clearly wants this thread to be about paying respects. I believe the original title was intended to be about both countries contributions. Mudelf. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: Liz the Squeak Date: 09 Nov 06 - 05:19 PM To be pedantic - Armistice Day is 11/11, the anniversary of the actual day the Armistice agreement was signed. Remembrance Sunday is nearly always the second Sunday in November, the closest Sunday to Armistice day. It is when the majority of Anglican churches have a parade to the Cenotaph or War Memorial along with representatives of various august bodies, such as British Legion, local Regiments, Boys Brigades, Scout and Guide troops and sometimes the local Territorial Army regiment. An Act of Remembrance is read and the dead of all wars are rememebered. Last year, I was a few km from Poperinge and Ypres, in Flanders Fields. Earlier this year I stood by the War Memorial at Portsmouth that lists the names of those who have no grave but the sea. Now, I have another name to remember - another Dunford lost at sea, 28 years after his uncles. A generation taken. They shall not grow old, as we that are left, grow old. Age shall not wither them, nor the years condemn them. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning... we will remember them. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: Clinton Hammond Date: 09 Nov 06 - 05:49 PM Sure... but when I'm pedantic it gets deleted.... WTF ever.... Just make sure you thank the fallen!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: GUEST,Art Brooks Elsewhere Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:10 PM 11/11 is Veterans Day in the US. It is "observed" as a legal holiday (that is, a day off for government workers) on the Friday or Monday closest to it if it falls on a weekend. I sit here at my parents' house, and it is likely my father's last Veterans Day. He is a WW2 and Korean War vet and most of his generation is already gone. Very few of those who fought in the war for which the holiday was originally established remain. However, more veterans are created every day, all over the world, and (with a miniscule number of exceptions) all of them served their nations and their nations' causes honorably. When you remember and honor these individuals, remember their service and direct the finger-pointing elsewhere. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: Chip2447 Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:26 PM From one Vet to all of the others, to the families of those who didn't return. Thank you for your service. Chip U.S.N.1978-1982 |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: GUEST,lox Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:29 PM so sad. Bought my daughter a poppy. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: Peace Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:30 PM I'll be thinking of vets everywhere on Saturday. Bless you all. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: A POEM FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:49 PM If you read this, thank a teacher, if you can read it in English thank a veteran. A POEM FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY "The inquisitive mind of a child" Why are they selling poppies, Mummy? Selling poppies in town today. The poppies, child, are flowers of love. For the men who marched away. But why have they chosen a poppy, Mummy? Why not a beautiful rose? Because my child, men fought and died In the fields where the poppies grow. But why are the poppies so red, Mummy? Why are the poppies so red? Red is the colour of blood, my child. The blood that our soldiers shed. The heart of the poppy is black, Mummy. Why does it have to be black? Black, my child, is the symbol of grief. For the men who never came back. But why, Mummy are you crying so? Your tears are giving you pain. My tears are my fears for you my child. For the world is forgetting again. Author Unknown |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DOWN WHERE THE RIVER BENDS From: pdq Date: 09 Nov 06 - 07:22 PM DOWN WHERE THE RIVER BENDS Music / Lyrics: Jim Anglin It's hard to keep the tears out of my eyes For this might be our last goodbye Your country calls you to defend this great land So do your part just like a man Chorus Down where the river bends With God's help, we'll meet again Under the same old sycamore tree Proud of each other in the land of the free I'll go down to the ocean blue And get just as close as I came to you Though the ocean wide may keep us apart It won't keep you, dear, from out of my heart [chorus] Proud of each other in the land of the free If the worst should happen and the poppies should wave Over your far and distant and lonely grave All the rest of my life I would spend in prayer I'll meet you in heaven, they'll be no war there [chorus] Proud of each other in the land of the free |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAST DAY OF MAY (Michael Troy) From: Big Mick Date: 09 Nov 06 - 07:28 PM Though really more appropriate for Memorial Day, here is one of the greatest songs to remember the departed vets. Our own Jed Marum does a stunning version of this. THE LAST DAY OF MAY (Michael Troy) On the hillside of tears, stones stand like soldiers, All at attention, all in a row Frozen in time, youthful in pictures, to brave to stay, to young to go Here's to the boys, who all went before me, no honor or glory could ever repay The lives that you spent are just tears in showers, hands full of flowers, on the last day in May. Chorus Though the valley of death did swallow them whole God let no soul, die in vain When the boundaries of peace, get out of control Let the Angel of Mercy, hold close their names. There's a house, with a wall that's covered with pictures, of all of the children, all of them grown There's a woman in the house who raised all the children Who could never sleep easy, till all where at home Here's to the mothers, who paid the ultimate price Made to live out their lives, in grief all the years Here's to the fathers, who comfort their wife With nothing to offer, but buckets of tears Chorus In fields of green pastures, they lie by still water All at attention, all in a row Though flesh turns to dust, souls are forever, They restored the order, our cups overflow Chorus |
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Subject: Lyr Add: STRANGE MEETING (Wilfred Owen) From: Paul Burke Date: 10 Nov 06 - 03:15 AM STRANGE MEETING It seemed that out of battle I escaped Down some profound dull tunnel, long since scooped Through granites which titanic wars had groined. Yet also there encumbered sleepers groaned, Too fast in thought or death to be bestirred. Then, as I probed them, one sprang up and stared With piteous recognition in fixed eyes, Lifting distressful hands, as if to bless. And by his smile, I knew that sullen hall,- By his dead smile, I knew we stood in Hell. With a thousand pains that vision's face was grained; Yet no blood reached there from the upper ground, And no guns thumped, or down the flues made moan. 'Strange friend,' I said, 'here is no cause to mourn.' 'None,' said that other, 'save the undone years, The hopelessness. Whatever hope is yours, Was my life also; I went hunting wild After the wildest beauty in the world, Which lies not calm in eyes, or braided hair, But mocks the steady running of the hour, And if it grieves, grieves richlier than here. For by my glee might many men have laughed, And of my weeping something had been left, Which must die now. I mean the truth untold, The pity of war, the pity war distilled. Now men will go content with what we spoiled, Or, discontent, boil bloody, and be spilled. They will be swift with swiftness of the tigress. None will break ranks, though nations trek from progress. Courage was mine, and I had mystery, Wisdom was mine, and I had mastery: To miss the march of this retreating world Into vain citadels that are not walled. Then, when much blood had clogged their chariot-wheels, I would go up and wash them from sweet wells, Even with truths that lie too deep for taint. I would have poured my spirit without stint But not through wounds; not on the cess of war. Foreheads of men have bled where no wounds were. 'I am the enemy you killed, my friend. I knew you in this dark: for so you frowned Yesterday through me as you jabbed and killed. I parried; but my hands were loath and cold. Let us sleep now....' Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) |
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Subject: Lyr Add: FOR THE FALLEN (Laurence Binyon) From: gnomad Date: 10 Nov 06 - 04:20 AM Laurence Binyon [1869 - 1943] wrote this. The 4th stanza is particularly popular, though often misquoted. The last word of line two is conTemn, meaning to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt. FOR THE FALLEN With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted; They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England's foam. But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known As the stars are known to the Night; As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain; As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE GIFT OF YEARS (Eric Bogle) From: Liz the Squeak Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:03 AM Don't care what anyone says about him, Eric Bogle has a way with words that should make other mortals tremble. They certainly make them cry. THE GIFT OF YEARS (Eric Bogle) Well, old friend, here I am, I told you I'd be back. And as usual mate, I'm bloody late; it's 75 years down the track. For the last time here I stand in this familiar foreign land. Back with the mates I left behind, fixed forever in their time. And all the men and of all the boys who haunt this lonely place Only one of them wears your cheery grin & your Queensland joker's face But I drown in all the bloody dreams of helpless young men's dying screams I feel your hand give my arm a shake & your voice say "steady, mate" And the country that you died for, mate, you would not know it now The future that we dreamed of, mate, got all twisted up somehow The peace that we were fighting for, the end to stupid senseless war So it couldn't happen to our kids - well old mate, it did. But thank you for the gift of years & the flame that brightly burned For the time you bought & the lessons taught, tho' often wasted & unlearned "Lest we forget" cry the multitudes as if I ever ever could So forgive an old man's tears, & thank you for the years. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: skipy Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:48 AM Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep I am a 1,000 winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow I am the sun on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled light I am the soft star that shines at night Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not there; I did not die. Written in letter by a soldier in Northern Ireland, to be given to his mother if there was a need, sadly there was a need. Skipy |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: eddie1 Date: 10 Nov 06 - 06:06 AM This is in no way intended to diminish the sacrifice of soldiers, or civilians from other lands, but I was told by a representative of the Royal British Legion that since the end of WWII there has only been one year, 1968, when a British serviceman, or woman was not killed on active service somewhere in the world. BTW, I think the poem about the poppy says it all and to my mind states quite clearly why we wear a red poppy, not a white one. Red poppies covered the fields of Flanders. That's why they were chosen as the emblem for Armistice Sunday. I'm going to read that poem on my radio programme. Eddie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: BuckMulligan Date: 10 Nov 06 - 06:18 AM Thanks from a veteran, and my own thanks out to others. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 10 Nov 06 - 06:27 AM Salute to all veterans, young and old. We shall honour and remember you and your service. To the Merchant Navy Veterans, who only in recent years are rendered appropriate honours this day. To my American friends whose names have no home on "The wall" http://www.usmm.org/vietnam.html |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP (Frye) From: skipy Date: 10 Nov 06 - 07:03 AM Since my last post (no pun intended) my web research has shown that although I have piece of newspaper from the 80s about the solier & the poem it appears that he copied it. Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die. Mary E. Frye Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am the song that will never end. I am the love of family and friend. I am the child who has come to rest In the arms of the Father who knows him best. When you see the sunset fair, I am the scented evening air. I am the joy of a task well done. I am the glow of the setting sun. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die! Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am the song that will never end. I am the love of family and friend. I am the child who has come to rest In the arms of the Father who knows him best. When you see the sunset fair, I am the scented evening air. I am the joy of a task well done. I am the glow of the setting sun. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die! Mary E. Frye 1932 |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DULCE ET DECORUM EST (Wilfred Owen) From: Mr Fox Date: 10 Nov 06 - 07:10 AM DULCE ET DECORUM EST Wilfred Owen Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs, And towards our distant rest began to trudge. Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots, But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame, all blind; Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots Of gas-shells dropping softly behind. Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! — An ecstasy of fumbling Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time, But someone still was yelling out and stumbling And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime. — Dim through the misty panes and thick green light, As under a green sea, I saw him drowning. In all my dreams before my helpless sight He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace Behind the wagon that we flung him in, And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin, If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs Bitter as the cud Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, — My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: dwditty Date: 10 Nov 06 - 07:25 AM Thank you, mg, and blessing to all who served. A couple of months ago I received a phone call out of the blue from a guy I had not seen or spoken with for over 38 years. That call has led to several re-connections with guys I stood shoulder to shoulder with for a year. There have been more calls...usually just one...and I cherish the magic that transpired in them. dw |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE KEEPER (Steve Knightley) From: Grab Date: 10 Nov 06 - 07:27 AM THE KEEPER Steve Knightley In Devonshire I was a keeper Half my life I lived outdoors Using skill my father taught me In land that edged the open moors I'd cut the snares of any poacher Rising hours before the dawn I'd guard the nests, planted cover Then drove the birds towards the guns I fought in France with half the county Using skill I learnt at home I planted traps, laid the wire The earth grew red as Devon's own July the 1st, 1916 We early rose, passed round the rum The whistle blew and we broke cover Then walked in line towards the guns We walked towards the waiting guns Back on the land we hire beaters And when the Glorious 12th has come We stand in line, we wait in silence Then walk once more towards the guns "Jackie boy?" "Master" "Sing you well?" "Very well" "Hey down, ho down, derry derry down, Among the leaves so green-o..." Graham. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: eddie1 Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:28 PM Ancient Mariner You're right in what you say about the Merchant Navy but if you ever get to the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle, you will see panels paying tribute to Merchant Seamen, Nurses, Miners and even animals like pit ponies, carrier pigeons and rats, mice and cagebirds that were used to detect gas. Below The Castle, in West Princes Street Gardens is the Scottish American War Memorial and my father, who always turned out proudly with The Navy Club for the Service of Remembrance at The City Chambers, then joined the men of The British Legion, Scotland for a second Service down there. Maybe their names are not shown but they are not fotgotten! Eddie |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LEAVES OF GRASS (Gordon Lightfoot) From: pdq Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:39 PM LEAVES OF GRASS Music / Lyrics: Gordon Lightfoot The leaves of grass will not pass on Though the millstones grind them into dust For the earth shall give life to them But only the grass will grow once more And the brave must fall to honor the names Of the ones who have gone before And the earth shall give new life to them But only the grass will grow once more If people could look into each other's eyes What a wonderful place this world would be All strife would end, we could start again And dreams like these must not pass on But the brave keep falling to honor the names Of the ones who have gone before And the earth shall give new life to them But only the grass will grow once more And the brave keep falling to honor the names Of the ones who have gone before And the earth shall give new life to them But only the grass will grow once more The leaves of grass will not pass on Though the millstones grind them into dust For the earth shall give new life to them But only the grass will grow once more |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IN FLANDERS FIELDS (John McCrae) From: Liz the Squeak Date: 10 Nov 06 - 09:35 PM And this is the poem that started it all.... the reason we wear poppies rather than any other flower. By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army 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. "Although he had been a doctor for years and had served in the South African War, it was impossible to get used to the suffering, the screams, and the blood here, and Major John McCrae had seen and heard enough in his dressing station to last him a lifetime. As a surgeon attached to the 1st Field Artillery Brigade, Major McCrae, who had joined the McGill faculty in 1900 after graduating from the University of Toronto, had spent seventeen days treating injured men -- Canadians, British, Indians, French, and Germans -- in the Ypres salient. It had been an ordeal that he had hardly thought possible. McCrae later wrote of it: "I wish I could embody on paper some of the varied sensations of that seventeen days... Seventeen days of Hades! At the end of the first day, if anyone had told us we had to spend seventeen days there, we would have folded our hands and said it could not have been done." One death particularly affected McCrae. A young friend and former student, Lieut. Alexis Helmer of Ottawa had been killed by a shell burst on 2 May 1915. Lieutenant Helmer was buried later that day in the little cemetery outside McCrae's dressing station, and McCrae had performed the funeral ceremony in the absence of the chaplain. The next day, sitting on the back of an ambulance parked near the dressing station beside the Canal de l'Yser, just a few hundred yards north of Ypres, McCrae vented his anguish by composing a poem. The major was no stranger to writing, having authored several medical texts besides dabbling in poetry. In the nearby cemetery, McCrae could see the wild poppies that sprang up in the ditches in that part of Europe, and he spent twenty minutes of precious rest time scribbling fifteen lines of verse in a notebook. A young soldier watched him write it. Cyril Allinson, a twenty-two-year-old sergeant-major, was delivering mail that day when he spotted McCrae. The major looked up as Allinson approached, then went on writing while the sergeant-major stood there quietly. "His face was very tired but calm as we wrote," Allinson recalled. "He looked around from time to time, his eyes straying to Helmer's grave." When McCrae finished five minutes later, he took his mail from Allinson and, without saying a word, handed his pad to the young NCO. Allinson was moved by what he read: "The poem was exactly an exact description of the scene in front of us both. He used the word blow in that line because the poppies actually were being blown that morning by a gentle east wind. It never occurred to me at that time that it would ever be published. It seemed to me just an exact description of the scene." In fact, it was very nearly not published. Dissatisfied with it, McCrae tossed the poem away, but a fellow officer retrieved it and sent it to newspapers in England. The Spectator, in London, rejected it, but Punch published it on 8 December 1915. " LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: bobad Date: 10 Nov 06 - 10:04 PM I spent most of my working life in the very building at McGill in which Dr.McRae practiced. The main entrance has hanging on it's wall a framed facsimilie of the hand written poem along with a photo of Dr.McRae in uniform. Every time I passed it I could not help but to reflect for a moment on the sacrifice these men and women made and the life we now enjoy because of that. Lest we forget. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Armistice/Veterans Day USA - monitored From: ranger1 Date: 11 Nov 06 - 06:03 PM Spent this AM with Micca at the Veteran's Day parade, honoring those who served, both living and dead. Tonight, I'll drink a quiet toast to my grandfather who served in Italy in WWII. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: A PITTANCE OF TIME (Terry Kelly) From: Big Mick Date: 11 Nov 06 - 08:40 PM A PITTANCE OF TIME Written by Terry Kelly © Jefter Publishing - SOCAN They fought and some died for their homeland. They fought and some died, now it's our land. Look at his little child; there's no fear in her eyes. Could he not show respect for other dads who have died? Take two minutes, would you mind? It's a pittance of time, For the boys and the girls who went over. In peace may they rest, may we never forget why they died. It's a pittance of time. God forgive me for wanting to strike him. Give me strength so as not to be like him. My heart pounds in my breast, fingers pressed to my lips, My throat wants to bawl out, my tongue barely resists. But two minutes I will bide. It's a pittance of time, For the boys and the girls who went over. In peace may they rest. May we never forget why they died. It's a pittance of time. Read the letters and poems of the heroes at home. They have casualties, battles, and fears of their own. There's a price to be paid if you go, if you stay. Freedom's fought for and won in numerous ways. Take two minutes, would you mind? It's a pittance of time, For the boys and the girls all over. May we never forget, our young become vets. At the end of the line, It's a pittance of time. It takes courage to fight in your own war. It takes courage to fight someone else's war. Our peacekeepers tell of their own living hell. They bring hope to foreign lands that hate mongers can't kill. Take two minutes, would you mind? It's a pittance of time, For the boys and the girls who go over. In peacetime, our best still don battle dress And lay their lives on the line. It's a pittance of time In peace may they rest, Lest we forget why they died. Take a pittance of time. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: rich-joy Date: 04 Nov 23 - 04:26 AM I know this is an old thread (some 17 years :), but I have just posted a song also relevant to THIS thread, to Mudcat's Australian/New Zealand Songs thread, which is so long that I KNOW many will never investigate it, nor learn to hit on the small "d" to find the latest postings!!! Therefore I have decided to add my Armistice Day post to this thread as well - hope that's okay. R-J "I’m not sure if "Armistice Day" is still widely recognised by the general population in the UK, North America, or in other countries that participated in WWI, 1914-18 [ also known as "The Great War" and “the war to end all wars” as the scale and suffering was unprecedented and grew to involve over 80% of the world ]. But here Down Under, in Australia and in New Zealand, the signing of the armistice in 1918 to end the war (the European theatre, at least), is still commemorated, but tends to now be known as "Remembrance Day", honouring all Service Veterans of all conflicts. [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day ] The Poppy Sellers can still be found - on the city streets and in country towns, at least - in the days leading up to November 11th. It is unlikely to ever again reach the outpouring of the centenary in 2018, where I among many, many tens of thousands of people - the world over - hand-crafted poppies and delivered them via the local libraries etc, to be inserted into massed displays around the countries and particularly at the memorials to the fallen, extant in every city and town..... Fellow Catter and Crafter, Sandra in Sydney, may have done the same!? [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_poppy ] [ Why Poppies? http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/john-mccrae-in-flanders-fields.htm ] The once-common mark of respect - a one (or two) minute's silence at the 11th hour (and where in past times, even the traffic in many places, pulled over and came to a standstill!!!) - is also regaining its place. [on the origins : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-minute_silence ] I note that the 10th Maleny Music Festival, being held here next weekend, has The Minute’s Silence built into its program, followed by a presentation of “Songs of Peace and Remembrance”. [ https://www.malenymusicfestival.com/ ] The remembrance is not glorifying war, as some folks loudly insist. In my case, I think of the grandfather I never got to meet. A man who, like myself, loved reading, poetry and song (and my grandmother!), but who died from the effects of Tuberculosis (contracted whilst he was a medical orderly with the 3rd Austn General Hospital in Abbeville, Abbasia and Lemnos), resulting in my mother and her baby sister, growing up without a father (and their mother without a beloved husband). As it turns out, I had 6 other relatives serving in WWI, but thankfully they all returned to ‘resume’ their peacetime lives. Except for my grandfather, who passed from “The White Plague” (as TB was known), in 1926 and now, all who once knew him are also passed from this world, and while his name is on the cenotaph at Kings Park Botannic Garden, on the hill overlooking Perth in West Aussie, I have some photos and some books - and some thoughts of what life might have been …........… [ https://www.flickr.com/photos/peculiarhand/5799286616/in/album-72157626763214889/ ] The following song was written late last century by my brother-in-law, Noel Gardner, and he dedicates it to a friend of ours who used to live nearby and whose military service had resulted in on-going ill health, but, as is very sadly often the case, he was treated badly by the Powers-that-Be, once he had returned home. ARMISTICE DAY ~ Noel Gardner, c.1999 Silence tolls an hour ‘fore midday on the second-last month of the year Images flash on the eleventh day, as memories disappear Now medals hang proudly and tributes flow as politicians push their line Another year, less truth said, another war to justify Defend your country the posters read, in the name of national pride But they don’t defend our soldiers of war, as disease eats them inside Lying on his back in his hospital bed, he recalls in tales of pain Denials, whitewash, cover-ups, protect the government’s shame Chorus May we remember, lest we forget But the killings go on in the name of religion In the hills and the deserts yet May we remember, lest we forget But the killings go on in the name of religion In the hills and the deserts yet High in the sky, a target is selected from dots on the face of a screen But the pilot never sees or hears from his cockpit the blood-soaked tears and screams Out in the field an innocent child, falls prey to clusters of time Inhumanity, ideology, combines with greed and science Hide the coffins, distort statistics, don’t let anyone see Rape for profit, kill for oil, in the name of liberty Hollow words laced with fear fuel the government’s guise And in the in the name of deceit, spin and business, another soldier dies Chorus May we remember lest we forget But the killings go on in the name of religion In the hills and the deserts yet May we remember lest we forget But the killings go on in the name of religion In the hills and the deserts yet Silence tolls an hour ‘fore midday on the second-last month of the year ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here is a YT video of Noel Gardner and Alex Bridge performing this song, in 2016 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpvMc5PPw3c Cheers – and here’s to armistices being sincerely signed, the whole sorry world over. R-J " |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Backwoodsman Date: 04 Nov 23 - 05:41 AM R-J, here in the UK, ‘Armistice Day’ is on 11th November each year, and we still have two minutes’ silence in many workplaces and public places at 11am on that day, as well as a silence on BBC radio. ‘Remembrance’ ceremonies are also held around the country - notably the televised National ceremony at the cenotaph in Whitehall, London - on the nearest Sunday to Armistice Day, with two minutes silence at 11am. Of course, Remembrance includes, not only The Great War, but all conflicts since. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Backwoodsman Date: 04 Nov 23 - 06:30 AM Should also have mentioned that Remembrance poppies are still a big deal here - a major source of income for the Royal British Legion… https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Donuel Date: 04 Nov 23 - 07:04 AM Where have all the flowers gone. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Charmion Date: 04 Nov 23 - 09:17 AM Every year, this is when I start obsessing about the weather — just how cold and/or wet and/or windy will it be on Remembrance Day? Which coat — it has to be one I can pin a medal on, so not the most effective waterproof. Boots that will take orthotics and woollen socks, support my aching wobbly ankles, and let me dig in my heels properly on the march. Sometimes I have to wear earmuffs on top of my faded old beret so the wind doesn’t wake up the ancient frostbite scars. And of course the serious mittens. It’s not a fun day. I’m always very glad when it’s over. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Donuel Date: 04 Nov 23 - 08:46 PM EVE OF DESTRUCTION The Eastern world, it is explodin' Violence flarin', bullets loadin' You're old enough to kill but not for votin' You don't believe in war, but what's that gun you're totin'? And even the Jordan river has bodies floatin' But you tell me Over and over and over again, my friend How you don't believe We're on the eve of destruction Don't you understand what I'm trying to say Can't you feel the fears I'm feeling today? If the button is pushed, there's no runnin' away There'll be no one to save with the world in a grave Take a look around you boy, it's bound to scare you, boy And you tell me Over and over and over again, my friend How you don't believe We're on the eve of destruction Yeah, my blood's so mad, feels like coagulatin' I'm sittin' here just contemplatin' I can't twist the truth, it knows no regulation Handful of senators don't pass legislation And marches alone can't bring integration When human respect is disintegratin' This whole crazy world is just too frustratin' And you tell me Over and over and over again, my friend How you don't believe We're on the eve of destruction And think of all the hate there is in Red China Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama Ah, you may leave here for four days in space But when you return, it's the same old place The poundin' of the drums, the pride and disgrace You can bury your dead, but don't leave a trace Hate your next door neighbor but don't forget to say grace And you tell me Over and over and over and over again, my friend You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction No no, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Philippe Sarde / Jacqueline Taieb
Thanks. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: rich-joy Date: 06 Nov 23 - 03:26 AM Is there a MudElf lurking, who could please make an amendment to my post of 4th November??!! My Brother-in-Law, Noel, who wrote the song I posted for Armistice Day, misremembered his year of writing (by quite a few years :) So I was wondering if the date of "c.1999" can be amended to "Nov2007" please??!! Hoping So, Cheers, R-J |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Mrrzy Date: 09 Nov 23 - 01:03 PM I always celebrate this as Armistice Day. I have an annual alarm at 11.11. Much prefer to commemorate the idea of war ending than the idea of having fought in one. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Charmion Date: 04 Nov 23 - 09:17 AM Every year, this is when I start obsessing about the weather — just how cold and/or wet and/or windy will it be on Remembrance Day? Which coat — it has to be one I can pin a medal on, so not the most effective waterproof. Boots that will take orthotics and woollen socks, support my aching wobbly ankles, and let me dig in my heels properly on the march. Sometimes I have to wear earmuffs on top of my faded old beret so the wind doesn’t wake up the ancient frostbite scars. And of course the serious mittens. It’s not a fun day. I’m always very glad when it’s over. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Mrrzy Date: 09 Nov 23 - 01:03 PM I always celebrate this as Armistice Day. I have an annual alarm at 11.11. Much prefer to commemorate the idea of war ending than the idea of having fought in one. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Donuel Date: 04 Nov 23 - 07:04 AM Where have all the flowers gone. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Donuel Date: 04 Nov 23 - 08:46 PM EVE OF DESTRUCTION The Eastern world, it is explodin' Violence flarin', bullets loadin' You're old enough to kill but not for votin' You don't believe in war, but what's that gun you're totin'? And even the Jordan river has bodies floatin' But you tell me Over and over and over again, my friend How you don't believe We're on the eve of destruction Don't you understand what I'm trying to say Can't you feel the fears I'm feeling today? If the button is pushed, there's no runnin' away There'll be no one to save with the world in a grave Take a look around you boy, it's bound to scare you, boy And you tell me Over and over and over again, my friend How you don't believe We're on the eve of destruction Yeah, my blood's so mad, feels like coagulatin' I'm sittin' here just contemplatin' I can't twist the truth, it knows no regulation Handful of senators don't pass legislation And marches alone can't bring integration When human respect is disintegratin' This whole crazy world is just too frustratin' And you tell me Over and over and over again, my friend How you don't believe We're on the eve of destruction And think of all the hate there is in Red China Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama Ah, you may leave here for four days in space But when you return, it's the same old place The poundin' of the drums, the pride and disgrace You can bury your dead, but don't leave a trace Hate your next door neighbor but don't forget to say grace And you tell me Over and over and over and over again, my friend You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction No no, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Philippe Sarde / Jacqueline Taieb
Thanks. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: rich-joy Date: 04 Nov 23 - 04:26 AM I know this is an old thread (some 17 years :), but I have just posted a song also relevant to THIS thread, to Mudcat's Australian/New Zealand Songs thread, which is so long that I KNOW many will never investigate it, nor learn to hit on the small "d" to find the latest postings!!! Therefore I have decided to add my Armistice Day post to this thread as well - hope that's okay. R-J "I’m not sure if "Armistice Day" is still widely recognised by the general population in the UK, North America, or in other countries that participated in WWI, 1914-18 [ also known as "The Great War" and “the war to end all wars” as the scale and suffering was unprecedented and grew to involve over 80% of the world ]. But here Down Under, in Australia and in New Zealand, the signing of the armistice in 1918 to end the war (the European theatre, at least), is still commemorated, but tends to now be known as "Remembrance Day", honouring all Service Veterans of all conflicts. [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day ] The Poppy Sellers can still be found - on the city streets and in country towns, at least - in the days leading up to November 11th. It is unlikely to ever again reach the outpouring of the centenary in 2018, where I among many, many tens of thousands of people - the world over - hand-crafted poppies and delivered them via the local libraries etc, to be inserted into massed displays around the countries and particularly at the memorials to the fallen, extant in every city and town..... Fellow Catter and Crafter, Sandra in Sydney, may have done the same!? [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_poppy ] [ Why Poppies? http://www.greatwar.co.uk/poems/john-mccrae-in-flanders-fields.htm ] The once-common mark of respect - a one (or two) minute's silence at the 11th hour (and where in past times, even the traffic in many places, pulled over and came to a standstill!!!) - is also regaining its place. [on the origins : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-minute_silence ] I note that the 10th Maleny Music Festival, being held here next weekend, has The Minute’s Silence built into its program, followed by a presentation of “Songs of Peace and Remembrance”. [ https://www.malenymusicfestival.com/ ] The remembrance is not glorifying war, as some folks loudly insist. In my case, I think of the grandfather I never got to meet. A man who, like myself, loved reading, poetry and song (and my grandmother!), but who died from the effects of Tuberculosis (contracted whilst he was a medical orderly with the 3rd Austn General Hospital in Abbeville, Abbasia and Lemnos), resulting in my mother and her baby sister, growing up without a father (and their mother without a beloved husband). As it turns out, I had 6 other relatives serving in WWI, but thankfully they all returned to ‘resume’ their peacetime lives. Except for my grandfather, who passed from “The White Plague” (as TB was known), in 1926 and now, all who once knew him are also passed from this world, and while his name is on the cenotaph at Kings Park Botannic Garden, on the hill overlooking Perth in West Aussie, I have some photos and some books - and some thoughts of what life might have been …........… [ https://www.flickr.com/photos/peculiarhand/5799286616/in/album-72157626763214889/ ] The following song was written late last century by my brother-in-law, Noel Gardner, and he dedicates it to a friend of ours who used to live nearby and whose military service had resulted in on-going ill health, but, as is very sadly often the case, he was treated badly by the Powers-that-Be, once he had returned home. ARMISTICE DAY ~ Noel Gardner, c.1999 Silence tolls an hour ‘fore midday on the second-last month of the year Images flash on the eleventh day, as memories disappear Now medals hang proudly and tributes flow as politicians push their line Another year, less truth said, another war to justify Defend your country the posters read, in the name of national pride But they don’t defend our soldiers of war, as disease eats them inside Lying on his back in his hospital bed, he recalls in tales of pain Denials, whitewash, cover-ups, protect the government’s shame Chorus May we remember, lest we forget But the killings go on in the name of religion In the hills and the deserts yet May we remember, lest we forget But the killings go on in the name of religion In the hills and the deserts yet High in the sky, a target is selected from dots on the face of a screen But the pilot never sees or hears from his cockpit the blood-soaked tears and screams Out in the field an innocent child, falls prey to clusters of time Inhumanity, ideology, combines with greed and science Hide the coffins, distort statistics, don’t let anyone see Rape for profit, kill for oil, in the name of liberty Hollow words laced with fear fuel the government’s guise And in the in the name of deceit, spin and business, another soldier dies Chorus May we remember lest we forget But the killings go on in the name of religion In the hills and the deserts yet May we remember lest we forget But the killings go on in the name of religion In the hills and the deserts yet Silence tolls an hour ‘fore midday on the second-last month of the year ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here is a YT video of Noel Gardner and Alex Bridge performing this song, in 2016 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpvMc5PPw3c Cheers – and here’s to armistices being sincerely signed, the whole sorry world over. R-J " |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: rich-joy Date: 06 Nov 23 - 03:26 AM Is there a MudElf lurking, who could please make an amendment to my post of 4th November??!! My Brother-in-Law, Noel, who wrote the song I posted for Armistice Day, misremembered his year of writing (by quite a few years :) So I was wondering if the date of "c.1999" can be amended to "Nov2007" please??!! Hoping So, Cheers, R-J |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Backwoodsman Date: 04 Nov 23 - 05:41 AM R-J, here in the UK, ‘Armistice Day’ is on 11th November each year, and we still have two minutes’ silence in many workplaces and public places at 11am on that day, as well as a silence on BBC radio. ‘Remembrance’ ceremonies are also held around the country - notably the televised National ceremony at the cenotaph in Whitehall, London - on the nearest Sunday to Armistice Day, with two minutes silence at 11am. Of course, Remembrance includes, not only The Great War, but all conflicts since. |
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Subject: RE: Armistice/Veterans Day USA, monitored (songs+poem) From: Backwoodsman Date: 04 Nov 23 - 06:30 AM Should also have mentioned that Remembrance poppies are still a big deal here - a major source of income for the Royal British Legion… https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal |
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