Beautifully written Harry. I have photos of my grandpa and his brother, Uncle Harold (my great uncle), on our walls. I often visit Uncle Harold's Commonwealth War Grave on my return visits to Nottingham. It's important to remember all those who have been caught up in war. Thank you for the reminder.
Yes I am always conflicted as to wearing a poppy as I believe it’s a shame ordinary people end up caught up in the conflicts of their governments. More often than not, I buy one and within hours, I have lost it as I am rubbish at securing them with those pins.
Regardless, I carry the legacy of my grandad who fought in WW2 forever in my heart. I know he he didn’t ‘go to war’ but rather to went on a mission to achieve peace.
I think that's a great way of seeing what the people of the World Wars looked to do - achieving peace. I also think it right that people should not feel 'shamed' into wearing a poppy. After all the sacrifices made by those in the wars were to give people that freedom of choice. I know what you mean about the paper poppies. In earlier years I would normally have bought three or four by November 11. These days I go on the RBL poppy website and buy an enamel one each year.
And then there’s white poppies too and the purple ones for the animals that died. It all gets a bit much. As with most things, I would rather keep it personal when possible, would much rather buy a hero (and even that is subjective) a pint or a coffee than have some charity cream a load off for themselves.
At least with the RBL all the money goes back into supporting ex-service personnel and their families. However we choose to say thanks or remember should certainly be a personal decision. I spent much of my career working alongside people in all shades of uniform. Don't think any of them saw themselves as heroes. Just ordinary people called upon at times to do extraordinary tasks. They never refused the offer of a coffee or beer though!
Harry, this is a touching, beautifully written tribute piece. The poem is one of my favorites, too and wonderfully fitting.
Thank you Jenn
Love this , Harry Beautiful writing. I will read it again.
Thank you Lulu - and for the restack
My pleasure, Harry
Harry, I love this piece and read it twice. I will definitely restack it. Ben
I'm glad you enjoyed it Ben and it's very kind of you to restack.
Beautifully written Harry. I have photos of my grandpa and his brother, Uncle Harold (my great uncle), on our walls. I often visit Uncle Harold's Commonwealth War Grave on my return visits to Nottingham. It's important to remember all those who have been caught up in war. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you Andrew - and on a completely different topic I see the Tish film is on release this Friday. It's showing in my local independent.
It was showing at the Little for one night but I couldn't go. It's showing at the Watershed for a few days so I will hopefully see it there.
Not surprisingly given her background there are multiple performances each day over a week here (and other cinemas showing it over the months to come)
Great pic.
Yes I am always conflicted as to wearing a poppy as I believe it’s a shame ordinary people end up caught up in the conflicts of their governments. More often than not, I buy one and within hours, I have lost it as I am rubbish at securing them with those pins.
Regardless, I carry the legacy of my grandad who fought in WW2 forever in my heart. I know he he didn’t ‘go to war’ but rather to went on a mission to achieve peace.
I think that's a great way of seeing what the people of the World Wars looked to do - achieving peace. I also think it right that people should not feel 'shamed' into wearing a poppy. After all the sacrifices made by those in the wars were to give people that freedom of choice. I know what you mean about the paper poppies. In earlier years I would normally have bought three or four by November 11. These days I go on the RBL poppy website and buy an enamel one each year.
And then there’s white poppies too and the purple ones for the animals that died. It all gets a bit much. As with most things, I would rather keep it personal when possible, would much rather buy a hero (and even that is subjective) a pint or a coffee than have some charity cream a load off for themselves.
At least with the RBL all the money goes back into supporting ex-service personnel and their families. However we choose to say thanks or remember should certainly be a personal decision. I spent much of my career working alongside people in all shades of uniform. Don't think any of them saw themselves as heroes. Just ordinary people called upon at times to do extraordinary tasks. They never refused the offer of a coffee or beer though!
Indeed Maureen - those who served and sacrificed wore many uniforms and of course some wore only civilian clothes. All deserve to be remembered.