Recognising Remembrance while at sea.

Re: 11th

[ QUOTE ]
especially in the light of the MoD's continuing shabby treatment of injured ex-servicemen.

[/ QUOTE ]

The most shameful thing of all.. even more than an illegal war, IMO.

Buy a poppy or make a donation. Whether you do the two minutes' silence, or anything/nothing else is up to you. [--word removed--] well remember the living wounded as well as the dead.

S x
 
Re: 11th

[ QUOTE ]
The true reason for rembrance message is now hollow, especially with a stupid war like Iraq being waged by the same politicians who lay wreaths.


[/ QUOTE ]
Whilst I consider the second part of this quote to be entirely correct and appropriate, surely the act of remembrance is simply that - to remember the fallen in battle - irrespective of the circumstances of the conflict. As a former serviceman with 12 years active duty, I have always considered the term 'Our Glorious Dead' an outmoded and Edwardian sentiment and quite repulsive to those who have seen the sharp end of warfare. There is nothing 'glorious' about ugly death on the battlefield. We should simply remember those who have died or been maimed serving in the armed forces in our own personal way, and what better way than on a communal date. Leave politics out of it on 11th November.
 
Re: 11th

yep, industy the right word and if they didn't expand their brief there'd be no nice jobs running not-too-contenious charity.

Forces salaries are not bad? Not at all sure it is in the least bit "shabby". Contrast their pts couselling with being shot for cowardice...
 
Re: 11th

Several soldiers injured in Iraq & Afghanistan have recently said that they have felt badly let down by the army once they were no longer useful.
 
Re: 11th

Fair enough, you're welcome to your own view.

Mine is different - it is simply that my father served in the navy in WW2, and even though he lived for another 47 years, I still respect the fact that he did his 'bit' for the rest of us, including me.
 
The poppy used to have 'Haig Fund' embossed in the black centre. A relation of Haig (great-nephew I think) went to the same school as me, and every November would be trotted out onto the stage in assembly to announce the annual sale of poppies. It was then that I learnt about Haig. I've not worn a poppy since. It sounds as though you are well aware what sort of man Haig was - I think the words 'congenital' and 'idiot' go well in any sentence that includes his name.
White poppies seem a sensible alternative. Read why here.
 
Re: 11th

Interesting thoughts - not sure I agree with all you say but do with some. Having just heard some of the coverage on Radio 4 it seems good to me that conflicts after WW1 are part of it but we can agree to differ!
 
Re: 11th

I think the first time it was 'celebrated' was 1921. At the beginning it wasn't just a silence - trains and factories were stopped too. The Times of the period describes it all. The event made sense right up till my childhood, when there were still plenty of WW I soldiers about and they used to march down Jamaica road in bowler hats and flat caps. I'm not sure about now. However the servicemen seem to like it - can't we just go along with their view? After all it's about them.
 
Re: 11th

I reckon you are entitled to your opinion - wrong as it is.

You see that's the benefit of freedom and freedom is what the Tommys ("Duffers"??) were fighting for in WW1 and WW2.

Had it all gone belly-up and either The Kaiser or Hitler had triumphed it is a fair bet that things would be a bit different round here right now.

Remember that most of the "Glorious Dead" were conscripts, given very little choice other than to go off and defend their country and it's freedom. Most did so willingly, whipped up in a frenzy of patriotic fervour or propoganda.

It is unimaginable to know the terror facing a young man called-up to serve on the frontline in Flanders or The Somme, or to know the grief of a family who's son or brother is called to serve a war that had the most voracious appetite for young flesh.

Remembrance Sunday gives us the opportunity to remember and honour the enormous sacrifice made by millions of those men and women.

If that isnt for you then fine, just keep shtum - no need for the "duffers" comment because that was always going to cause offence to others who look upon the day differently.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top