Thanks to All Who Gave...

[Clanad]

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month once again approaches (here in the U.S.) and there must be a moment of appreciation for all that have given some or everything so we can express out thanks freely (or not, for those so disinclined). Had they not given, had they not completed a duty foisted upon them, everything would be entirely different and probably for the worse... no?

At any rate, this always evokes a childhood memory of a windy November day, my hand being held by the huge hand of my grandfather and watching him draw hinself up into a man much larger and straighter than I normally saw... a glisten in his eye and a small, age wizened smile on his face when, after taps blew he shook hands with others that survived the 'War to End All Wars'... Thank you all!

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
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

[webbo3]

Hear Hear, We shall NEVER forget.


Dave.

[jake-the-peg]

And you don't think that this dignifies a stupid pointless slaughter?

[Sqad]

jake....yes I do think that it dignifies those that have laid down their lives for their country.

[jake-the-peg]

So you don't think WWI was stupid and pointless then?

[Sqad]

No I don't.

The alternative to war is to submit to your enemies intent.

[jake-the-peg]

Then I look forward to your contribution to my thread in history about how the world would be different had WWI not been fought.

My last word on this years rememberance day in News goes to Black Adder goes forth

Boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom
Boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom

- Baldrick

[naomi24]

I seem to say this here year after year, but I'll say it again. The point of Remembrance Day is not to glorify war - it's to remember those who lost their lives in war. Yes, some wars are pointless, but today isn't about the reasons for war. It is about millions of ordinary men, often with no choice in the matter, who were sent to fight, and who died in the service their countries. We should remember them and we should afford them the dignity and respect they not only deserve, but which they have well and truly earned. They have paid the greatest price of all, and shame on anyone who does not recognise that.

[Bbbananas]

Hear Hear.

[albaqwerty]

very well said naomi

[Booldawg]

Today isnt for the politicians, the war mongers, the religious leaders, the reasons, justifications, pointlessness or outcomes of war. Its simply to remember those who have died in the field of conflict the world over. This may be closer to home for some than others.

If you simply dont get it, havent be personally touched by it or dont agree with it, then maybe its more gracious to simply wind your neck in. Its a bit like heckling at a passing funeral cortege. Just because this is an open forum on the internet, input isnt always required.

[ludwig]

Agree entirely with Zeuhl, Naomi and Booldawg. Jake you are confusing glorifying war with paying tribute to the people who got caught up in it. I think remembrance is as much about saying sorry to everyone who suffered in the war(s) as it is about dignifying pointless slaughter as you put it.
Blackadder managed to be respectful to the people who died while at the same time pointing out the madness of it all. How do you think wars should be commemorated, if at all?

[LoftyLottie]

I actually found myself thinking of the war dead today. Sunday's pageantry meant very little to me, but just standing quietly on my own for 2 mins meant so much more.

[sag]

Blow gently, dear wind, over their graves and whisper to them how much we love them. May they all rest in peace.

[naomi24]

sag, that brought a tear to my eye. Just beautiful. I can do no more than echo your sentiments. x