Pages

▼

8 November 2009

Lest We Forget



It was strange this morning, in the supermarket.

I knew Booths were observing the two minute silence at 11am for Remembrance Sunday. I didn't have my watch on, but had arrived shortly before 11am.

I was waiting for the tannoy announcement, but there wasn't one. It didn't take me long to realise that everyone else was standing still, respectfully silent. I stopped rummaging about in the fresh chickens and joined them.

I thought, as I always do, of my late grandfather. He was born on what was to become Armistice Day, 11th November. Luckily he was too young to fight in the First World War and too old to fight in the Second World War.

My thoughts turned to those serving today, in conflicts around the world. Some people may not agree with the reasons for going to war, but these men and women are putting their lives at risk every single day in the hope of peace.

Then, my eyes stinging with tears, I thought of their mothers.

Millions of mothers (and fathers) throughout history have sent their children away to war, not knowing if they will see them again. Waiting each day for a letter or a dreaded telegram.

I am grateful for the sacrifices made by previous generations. I hope and pray that I never have to wave my sons off to war.

Lest we forget.





at

8 comments:

  1. Anonymous8 November 2009 at 15:06

    What a brilliant post, very powerful. We should never forget.

    ReplyDelete
  2. b8 November 2009 at 16:25

    great post, whether you agree or disagree the serving service personnel are doing a job and we should support them in whatever way we can.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jean8 November 2009 at 18:00

    Well said. I always find it very humbling when people stop for the two minutes. Let's hope it continues for many years to come.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jen Walshaw8 November 2009 at 18:26

    It pulls at my heart as a mother, so very much. We have visited the war graves in northern France and I stood and cried espeically at the " a soldier of the war known only unto god"

    ReplyDelete
  5. Maria9 November 2009 at 04:55

    Amen!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Themommydaddy9 November 2009 at 05:22

    Again, Amen.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Local Girl9 November 2009 at 14:27

    Here, here to that. I explained the war memorial to Lily yesterday and she was horrified at all the names on it as we live in such a small town. Bless them all

    ReplyDelete
  8. san12 November 2009 at 21:11

    Rosie, thank you.

    b, absolutely right.

    notSupermum, yes, it's so moving. I hope it continues.

    The Mad House, it's only since I became a mother that I have felt this way. I only have to see the graves on TV to weep.

    Gaelikaa, The MommyDaddy, I hear you.

    Liz, yes, it's heartbreaking to see whole families wiped out.

    ReplyDelete