You know how they say it is NEVER too late to send a Thank You note? Well, that's what we always say 'round Indiscreetly.
Therefore, it is NEVER too late to post a worthy blog on Indiscreetly Us, and I offer you a beautiful submission from our dear, British-Brian and Mo.
Yeah, toss a seashell at me for being tardy, but no less appreciative.
I won't say much more, except that I grew up knowing and wearing poppies. As the daughter of a veteran, I was schooled early on regarding the importance of its meaning.
Brian is quite correct, where WOULD we be without such sacrifices?
Contributed by: Brian Wilson
Bath, UK
All Rights Reserved and Copyrighted
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Thanksgiving - we have a lot to be thankful for - and a lot to be thankful to others.
At this time of the year all you good folks in US land are celebrating Thanksgiving and on the 11th November you have "Veterns' Day."
Over this side of the "pond", on 11th November, we celebrate "Poppy Day" or Remembrance Day.
Since the end of World War 1 is has been kept as a memorial day to remember the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty, in all wars and conflicts.
There are still members of our armed services being repatriated to the UK
It is on this day that we remember the fallen of all wars and conflicts.
This ceremony takes place on the first Sunday after the 11th November not only in UK, but also in all countries of The Commonwealth.
This year, we had the significant reminder of the ceremony , on a Sunday, at 11 hrs, on the 11th of the 11th month of the 11th year (11 - 11/11/11)=
The date is very significant - on that date in 1918; hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.
So at this time of the year, we in the UK, observe two minutes of silence on 11 November.
But, why the poppy? Well, just after WW1 a poem,"In Flanders fields" , became very popular. It noted that poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders - their brilliant red colour an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the warThe British Legion - the organisation that collects money and gives support to ex service people and their families, has, for many years, used the poppy as a way to raise funds.
Poppies are made and sold just before 11th November.
Most people in the UK buy and wear a poppy, not to celebrate war, or to show support for any particular war - but to celebrate the sacrifice of so many - a sacrifice that is still being given today.
Wear your poppy with pride.
After WW1, most villages/towns and cities built a war memorial with the names of the fallen and it is here that local people remember all those who have died in the service of their country, in all wars.
The main site of Remembrance is in London, at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
It is a very solemn occasion and the Queen leads the laying of poppy wreaths on behalf of the Country, followed by representatives of the armed services. politicians etc ..
Then, led by the massed bands of all the Services, there is a long line of ex-servicemen marching along Whitehall past The Cenotaph, saluting as they pass by and handing their wreath to be placed on the steps of The Cenotaph.
The Cenotaph - laying of the wreaths before the march past of the veterans.
In 2009 there was a particular poignant part of this march past - the last three British-resident veterans of World War I attended the 2008 ceremony but they all died in 2009.
Henry Allingham, Harry Patch and Bill Stone.
All WW1 servicemen in 2008.
I was going to say "sorry" to you all for this blog - with it's tone of sorrow and sacrifice - but heck, if it had not been for those who fought and those who gave their lives - where would we be now?
We must not forget all those who have died and have suffered in the all to many wars in recent years - and realise that it is sad reality that more young men and women will join the fallen in the years to come
I cannot say more than to recite the poem, written by Laurence Binyon in 1914, that closes all such Remembrance services: -
" 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.
Love to all on Remembrance/Veterans Day - and all the best for the upcoming Thanksgiving Day - we all have a lot to be thankful for!
Brian and Mo
Brian Wilson
brian@europaassociates.co.uk
