Today is Remembrance Day (or Armistice day), when the whole country comes together on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, because this is the exact time the First World War (or the Great War) ended, in 1918. At that time, the guns on the western front fell silent after more than four years continuous warfare.
These days, this anniversary is used to remember all the people that have died in wars since the First World War. This includes World War Two, The Falklands War, The Gulf War, conflicts in Bosnia, Rwanda and Kosova, and now, of course, the war that is going on right now in Afghanistan.
Millions of people are expected to observe the two minute silence at 11 a.m. today in honour of all those brave men and women who were killed during those conflicts, and the red poppy will be worn with pride.
Remembrance Sunday is always held on the 2nd Sunday of November, which is usually the nearest Sunday to the 11th November. Special Services are held at Churches and War Memorials all over Great Britain, and a national Service takes place at The Cenotaph in London. The Queen always lays the first wreath of poppies.
So my blog post today is in honour of all the fallen, and indeed all the servicemen and women who are still serving their countries in various parts of the world. My own grandfather died in the First World War, and my husband's grandfather also died during that conflict. Both grandmas were widowed in their mid twenties, and never married again. Both were left with very young children to bring up on their own, along, of course, with thousands of other women. My dad was only five years old and, from then on, he became the 'man' of the house and looked after his younger sister all his life. I've got a lovely black and white photo of my dad with his dad, but I can't put my hand on it just at the moment.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Fourth stanza of 'For the Fallen' by Laurence Binyon (1869 - 1943)
17 comments:
They ahould never be forgotten!
Lovely post Diane.
x Fiona
Beautiful post Diane!
Have a nice Sunday!
Hugs,
Eva
Hallo, dear Thisisme! Although it is early here on the East Coast of America, the 11 o'clock hour has already passed in England during which time your country observed two minutes of silence in honour of the men and women lost in conflicts. I am struck by something in your post which was also revealed on one of Shelly's posts. In the early decades of the 20th century, women who lost husbands in war typically remained unmarried the rest of their lives. I might be wrong but I don't see that happening very much in modern times. Back then people took their marriage vows more seriously and truly made a lifelong commitment to each other. Many of today's marriages lack sticktoitiveness and fall apart over issues that would have been considered trivial 100 years ago. Bless you this day, dear Thisisme, as your friends around the world join you in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and freedom.
I feel very much the same as Shady Del Knight where you mentioned how those young women remained unmarried since their mid-20s after their husbands perished in the war. I think that's very noble and honourable and I'd love to hear more of that nowadays.
I love the Churchill quote; love all of his rousing speeches, and that lovely stanza from Laurence Binyon.
A fitting post Diane.
Truly a sobering time as we think, appreciate, and honor all those who laid down their lives for their country.
Your grandmother and those like her were amazing women, as well.
Great post as usual. Those terrible world wars seem so distant and so different than the conflicts we fight today. Yet, had the outcome been different, who know what we might be facing today. :)
beautiful tribute
We are celebrating Veteran's day here too. We are all so blessed to have men and women fight to keep us free and safe. sandie
This is the best tribute I've seen Thisisme! We have Veterans Day, of course, and, I think it's wonderful to have remembrance day. I believe as you do, to honor all people who have given their lives for us, and, who are currently serving our countries on our behalf.
I love your picture of the Queen, she really fascinates me! And the poems and quotes you gave us are truly touching. This is a beautiful post written by a beautiful woman. Your Grandparents would be proud to know you as you are now! See you soon, dear friend!♥
Lest we Forget
A lovely tribute, Diane. It just make me more appreciative of both my late grandfather and late father who served the British Marine Police and the Royal Malaysian Navy, respectively.
PS. I just love the picture of the Queen. She is always my favourite.
Hugs, Lili
I loved your beautiful tribute. Your family certainly paid a huge price for the freedoms we all have. "May they never be forgotten."
Diane, Your heart comes thru here so beautifully. We will never forget the sacrifice our forefathers gave for our freedom and peace. My generation has come thru unscathed (in Canada). The US and Britain not so much. It is no small thing to give those who have served us so gallantly the honour they rightly deserve.
Blessings, Rosemary
Dear Diane, this is such an important day to give honor to the fallen and to the families whose lives are changed forever by war. I think those traditions and services are a beautiful way to remember the sacrifices and the freedom that was paid for with their lives. You expressed it so beautifully here.
A wonderful post my sweet friend and I am sure they will never be forgotten because there is enough thoughtful people in this world to keep it going. Thanks for doing your part in such a beautiful way.
Hugs,
Odie
A great Remembrance Day Tribute.
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