They shall not grow 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. - Laurence Binyon
We will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
Today, 11th November is Armistice Day. It is the time when we remember those that have given their lives in all wars so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have. We remember their sacrifice through two minutes silence on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Armistice Day commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at Rethondes in France for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning and hence why we use this time to put aside two minutes to remember.I come from a family with a military heritage and so I get quite angry when people do not show this small act of respect. It saddened me a few years ago when I was at a shopping mall and the two minutes silence was underway when a gaggle of teenagers burst out of a shop and said “Why has everyone stopped?” quite loudly. I was saddened that they had to ask. It highlighted a massive hole in education which I do not believe has been addressed.
I think everyone is more enlightened these days though, due to the conflicts in the Middle East where we get far too regular reports of another life given in service of their country. It is heartening that people are once again honouring the military on their return from conflict with parades. Surely this, and two minutes silence once a year is the least we can do?
7 comments:
Unfortunately, the worthies don't see the value in teaching the youth about the sacrifices of their elders. It smacks too much of imperialism and militarism to praise veterans. Of course what the worthies forget, is if they fail to teach pride of country and the sacrifices which are sometimes necessary to preserve liberty, there may come a point where there is no one left to defend all the things they ostensibly hold dear.
Cheers.
AMEN! I agree.
Indeed, my dear B-K....It is amazing how these kinds of Very Very Important times in the History of the world, are just forgotten or no even known about anymore....Here, "Armistace Day" used to be a very solunm and Memorable Day....Now it is known as Veteran's Day and somehow the true meaning has kind of been lost....! Sad, Really....!
In Australia, Remeberance Day (as it is called here) is really respected, especially by school children. In today's The Age online it said there were more school aged children at The Shrine's (in Melbourne) memorial service than adults.
a hearty thanks to all who served and sacrificed
a beautiful post, the field of poppies is both lovely and heartbreaking
I'm thinking about you :)
BK thanks for the reminder of just how much we owe these men and women who gave all. Thank God for those people.
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