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A Field of poppies
Willy The Londoner:
For once I wish I had a chance to see the 888,246 ceramic poppies that have been placed around the Tower of London. Each have been placed to represent one of the British and Commonwealth service men and women that died in World War 1.
This special event was to mark 100 years since the state of WW!.
Over 5 million people have visited the display in the past four weeks.
Willy
CypherDragon:
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.
I don't think that "Happy Remembrance/Veteran's Day" sounds right, since the events that should be remembered today are anything but happy, but nothing else seems to fit. I'll raise a glass today to all my brothers- and sisters-in-arms, to remember those that served with honor.
JohnB:
I don't think that "Happy Remembrance/Veteran's Day" sounds right, since the events that should be
remembered today are anything but happy, but nothing else seems to fit. I'll raise a glass today to all
my brothers- and sisters-in-arms, to remember those that served with honor.
Nice touch Cypher..
When VERY young, in a Catholic parochial school, we celebrated "Armistice Day" on Nov 11 at 11am. And
at this very moment I think it should have been left as such.
Around that time in the 50's, politicians being politicians, decided to personalize the day as being "Veterans Day".
Today's Veterans Day, has become a holiday replete with all kinds of store sales as usual the other holidays in America.
I do think the 'add- on' generations lack the sobering thoughts about the consequences of war other than
a holiday from work and time spent at the mall.
Less I not forget, I wish all the vets out & about, good health & happiness!
maxx:
Really John are you sure what they think. Every generation in America has ben involved in a armed conflict since 1984 Grenada Panama Iraq, Iran Afghanistan. The guy across the street from me was in Panama and Iraq the first time. My 4 year olds teacher. Her sister did 2 tours in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan. The native girl that was killed in Iraq. When she was captured with Jessica Lynch. She was from right across the border in Arizona.
I used to have a Marine Corps t-shirt that I picked up with a couple of other t-shirts in a Army surplus store in Farmington. Every time I wore the Marine Corps t-shirt somebody wanted to shake my hand and tell me thank you.
I think every generation knows the cost and suffering of those that serve or who have served. Just my 2 cents from the land of entrapment.
Willy The Londoner:
Remembrance Day in the UK is a very solemn and thought provoking time. On the nearest Sunday to it wreaths are placed at the Cenataph in Central London and ten Thousand ex Soldiers march past. This day is full of the Pomp and Glory that the UK does well. It is a time when we say thanks to those who gave their lives but also a thanks to those who survived other wars and hostilities.
On the 11th November at 11am a two minute silence takes place over the whole of the UK. The following Saturday a more informal muster takes place at the Royal Albert Hall.
The poppy is a symbol and is worn by most for that week. The Poppies at the Tower is a one off event that has certainly added to the Remembrance this year.
If any business ever thought of using the Remembrance as a business opportunity they would soon find that they had no business!
Willy
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