A German colleague recently asked me why England was "celebrating" the centenary of WW1. I explained that it wasn't a celebration, that is very much the wrong word and perhaps his misunderstanding was due to a bad translation.
One hundred years on it is important to recall the events that plunged the world into such dreadful conflict and sacrifice, and to honour those on both sides.
As time goes by keeping that memory alive becomes more difficult, Harry Patch - Britain's last fighting Tommy having fought in the battle of Passchendaele in 1917, died in 2009 aged 111.
My grandfather also served in WW1 and when I was very young I can recall him attending the local Cenotaph in his best suit and wearing his polished medals every year until he died in 1968.
Like many I haven't been able to get to see the Poppies at the Tower of London, but we remember the events and the lives they commemorate and the significance of keeping that memory alive.
Our thoughts and gratitude go out to all those who have served and fought to protect our country and our way of life.
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Thank you for your respectful post.
ReplyDeleteRik
Very true. We are fortunate we haven't had to go through what they had to suffer.
ReplyDeleteA really thoughtful blog max. Thank you. So eloquently articulated
ReplyDeleteSteve