Just thought I’d post some photos of our church all dressed up for Remembrance Sunday, which this year is on November 12th. The good ladies of the village have been knitting thousands of poppies since last Remembrance Day, and this is the result. No, I haven’t knitted any, because my efforts wouldn’t have looked like this:
Sad to learn that the Queen and Prince Philip won’t be taking part in the service at the Cenotaph this year, and will be watching from a balcony. It won’t be the same without them, but then again they’re both in their nineties, so I’d say they’ve earned a rest. I always did get a bit worried when they had to walk backwards down the few steps of the Cenotaph after laying their wreaths, so I expect Princes Charles, William and Harry will be in the forefront instead this year.
I always have a tear in my eye when the massed bands play Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’ and Beethoven’s Funeral March No.1. I think of all those young men and women who died too soon, and somehow the music says it all, doesn’t it?
When I was younger, the bands used to slow down the tempo for the march of the ‘Old Contemptibles’, but of course now there are none left. Veterans of World War II are becoming fewer too, and it’s natural that successive generations will probably remember the soldiers of more recent wars. All I can say to that is how it’s a shame we’ve had all these wars in the first place.
One of my grandmother’s sisters was called Somme (they always pronounced it ‘Soo-mee). As a kid I used to think it was a strange name, but as I grew older I realised that she had been born when the Battle of the Somme was raging. Nan was one of 14 children (5 others died in infancy), the eldest born in 1900 and the youngest in 1920. All the others had ordinary names except Somme, who unfortunately died long before any of her siblings. All 14 are dead now, but their extended families are spread all over London and the South East. Whenever I visit London I always wonder whether I’m passing any of my unknown cousins twice and thrice removed in the streets.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks for sharing my post.
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Christy B said:
Oh it’s divine how they’ve decorated it to honor those who fought. I’ll be including this one in my Friday roundup post.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks!
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franklparker said:
Sorry if this sounds picky, but my dad was an airman so I’ve got to say you need to add ‘sailors and airmen’ to ‘soldiers’ in this. And I can’t agree with Darlene that their lives were ‘wasted’. If there is waste involved it is we, their children and grand children, who have failed to make the best of the better world they fought for.
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Stevie Turner said:
You can’t say ‘airmen’ Frank, as that discriminates against women! I’ve changed it to young men and women instead, so hope that pleases everybody.
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franklparker said:
Touche! Thanks for making the change.
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Clive said:
The ladies of your church have done an amazing job! We should never forget the sacrifices others have made to allow us the freedom we have today.
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Stevie Turner said:
Absolutely.
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Stevie Turner said:
A large extended family, yes, although I’m sure I wouldn’t recognise half of them now if I ever met up with them.
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Darlene said:
The church looks fabulous. What a great idea. Remembrance Day is celebrated in earnest in Canada and is a Statutory holiday in most provinces. I agree, what a shame and such a total waste of young lives.I see you come from a large family as well.
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http://www.salpa58.wordpress.com said:
A beautiful tribute to all who fought for freedom. We can never repay them for their service, but we can honor them and will never forget.And, although we can’t see them I am sure they will be gathering together with smiles at the beautiful display in their honor. Thank you for sharing.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks for your lovely comment!
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jenanita01 said:
The good ladies of your village are to be congratulated for their determination and knitting skills, the church looks amazing! Reminded me of all those china ones around the Tower of London…
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Stevie Turner said:
It’s causing quite a stir – we’ve even had the local TV cameras round!
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jenanita01 said:
Everyone should see it, its a lovely way to remember!
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Stevie Turner said:
I had no idea the ladies were doing this until it appeared last week.
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jenanita01 said:
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks again for the re-blog!
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lovessiamese said:
What a lovely thing to do. I have never had the privilege of visiting England, nor of meeting one of its citizens, but I do enjoy photos of the scenery and learning of the culture. Thank you for sharing.
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Stevie Turner said:
You’re welcome!
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Stevie Turner said:
Is there Remembrance Day in the US?
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