We will remember them · 5:00pm Nov 11th, 2014
Today marks the 100th anniversary of WW1's conclusion. It is also November 11th, which means it's Remembrance Day for us Brits (and various other commonwealth nations). Today a minute's silence is taken at 11:00 hours in remembrance of those who have given their lives during the First and Second World Wars, and other conflicts besides.
As well as the fallen British servicemen, I always like to take the opportunity to pay respects to the servicemen and women of all nations who have and still do put themselves in harm's way for what they believe in.
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.
In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae, May 1915
Veterans Day in the US serves the same purpose but most have long forgotten why its this day or why we celebrate it. Which is a very sad thing I think.
2588313 Mmm. Agreed. Well, we all make quite a big deal of it over here, and we make sure to remind each other every year as to why we stand still and don't talk for a minute. I find that those who don't remember the sacrifices made in the past will never fully understand their impact on the world today. It is sad that some people simply stand there and, instead of remembering those who fought, think about how much time is left on their parking ticket, but those are the people that need reminding. For me this is one of the most important days of the year (I come from a military family so I've been raised with a strong respect for things like this).
Deepest respect to all those who fought on all sides in all conflicts, and my respect to the fallen of all nations, as well as my own.