The weather in Lewis allowed a window of brightness for the wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial at 12.30. I did not attend, as the forecast was unfavourable. Elsewhere, the national ceremony in Whitehall (Central London) was held in brilliant sunshine, with the trees still in full leaf cover. A two minutes' silence was observed at 11.00 a.m., after which HM the Queen led a long procession of dignitaries and veterans to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph.
Here in J-land, Jim has put down his own feelings on Remembrance Sunday, and it basically bears out what it is all about. A sombre commemoration of those that have fallen in battle, and those that were wounded.
I resent the assertion from certain quarters that this is all about glorification of war. Far from it. The veterans (like Jim) will tell you that it is a game of chance whether you made it or not. More than likely, survivors will have been witness to scenes of undescribably carnage, brutality and horror.
Remembrance Sunday is to remember the sacrifices made by thousands in defence of values we hold dear. Primarily freedom in all forms and shapes. It is a sign of the times that an increasingly large number of representatives of various faiths and convictions are present at the parade in Whitehall around November 11th.
A large number of people from all over the globe flock to countries like Great Britain to seek refuge, or find a better life. All should be welcome. They come with their beliefs, convictions and values, some of them different from those in the host country. It is up to community leaders from all sides to find a common denominator, to find a way for all to live together in mutual tolerance.
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There have always been wars, since time began. And all who fought should be honored. Their sacrifice whether with their lives, the injuries or the time away from their loved ones...is the reason that people can make comments like that. My son did his time in the US Air Force, during the Desert Storm era. Fortunately he was only as far from home as England but he was ready and willing to go where ever he was needed. And he knew when he signed up what he was committing himself to. My dad served for 4 years in Europe and North Africa during WWII and my grandfather served in WWI. God bless them, everyone ! Linda in Washington state
ReplyDeleteI have certainly never looked at it as a glorification of war but an act of solemn remembrance and to reflect on sacrifice.
ReplyDeletehttp://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/