14 Jul 09 - 07:51 AM (#2679820) Subject: A soldier's Poem For The Fallen From: Keith A of Hertford The last few days have seen a number of deaths in Afghanistan. One result is this poem. Sunset Vigil The news is spread far and wide Another comrade has sadly died A sunset vigil upon the sand As a soldier leaves this foreign land We stand alone, and yet as one In the fading light of a setting sun We've all gathered to say goodbye To our fallen comrade who's set to fly The eulogy's read about their life Sometimes with words from pals or wife We all know when the CO's done What kind of soldier they'd become The padre then calls us all to pray The bugler has Last Post to play The cannon roars and belches flame We will recall, with pride, their name A minute's silence stood in place As tears roll down the hardest face Deafening silence fills the air With each of us in personal prayer Reveille sounds and the parade is done The hero remembered, forgotten by none They leave to start the journey back In a coffin draped in the Union Jack Story and author details here. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8148830.stm |
14 Jul 09 - 08:05 AM (#2679835) Subject: RE: A soldier's Poem For The Fallen From: Peace Good thread, Keith. I looked at the pictures of the eight Brits who died. They're kids. Just kids. |
14 Jul 09 - 08:14 AM (#2679847) Subject: RE: A soldier's Poem For The Fallen From: Peace Country Total Australia 10 Canada 124 Czech 3 Denmark 24 Estonia 4 Finland 1 France 28 Germany 33 Hungary 2 Italy 15 Latvia 3 Lithuania 1 Netherlands 19 Norway 4 Poland 9 Portugal 2 Romania 11 South Korea 1 Spain 25 Sweden 2 UK 184 US 739 Total 1244 The figures are fairly current, but I do not know whether the recent deaths are included. |
14 Jul 09 - 10:01 AM (#2679920) Subject: RE: A soldier's Poem For The Fallen From: Nigel Parsons Keith, I wish you hadn't posted that for me to read in work. Colleagues don't view me as emotional! Good job it's hay fever season! Nice one. Nigel |