Remembrance Sunday - Lest we forget

[Perpetua]

It's that time of the year to remember today with respect and in tribute to all the men, women and animals from all conflicts, across all nations who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

My own personal tributes go as always to my Uncle's, Eric incarcerated as a POW at Changi for several years and Sid who fell on the beaches of Normandy, like so many others in service of his country.

I hope wherever we all are, whatever we are doing that we find two minutes at 11oclock to pay our silent respects.

[DaveJ]

Thank you Mandy, well said.

[gill2009]

                             

[ghostrider1971]

I was going to say I'm looking forward to our church service this morning, but I know "looking forward" isn't exactly the right phrase but I know what I mean - a chance to remember and a chance to reflect and to give thanks for all those who sacrificed so much.

[Perpetua]

I know what you mean as well Andy.

Our local church, like so many others around the country, has created a knitted/crocheted poppy installation on the railings outside . . . . it's heartwarming to see a community of crafter's all joining together to create it.

This is one of my favourites that I've seen so far, with a sprinkling of Purple Poppies in tribute to the many, many animals who have also lost their lives in times of conflict, serving mankind.

[DaveJ]

Australia also took extra actions to mark the 100 year anniversary.

Here in West Australia, the RSL (Returned Service's League) arranged the making and "planting" of 62,000 hand made poppies - one for each Australian Soldier who fell in WW1 at our state War Memorial.  Link and link

Whilst Armistice Day is special and important, we in Australia also mark Anzac Day with special reverence. Anzac Day. It occurs on 25th April and originally marks the first Gallipoli landing in WW1 by "our boys". That day has since come to be a time we remember all those Australians who have served and fallen in any conflict.

[Get Off My Cloud]

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

[Ron]

One of the most powerful and touching photos I've seen thus far about the poppy.

[gill2009]

  That is indeed a very moving picture Ron.