Tuesday 11 November 2008

On This Remembrance Day

Today marks the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice to end the First World War. It is amazing to think that there are still a few of those gallant men, who were serving at that time, alive on this day and the three that are still living in the UK are due to be at a ceremony at the cenotaph this morning.

One of my great-grandfathers fought in the war. I know little about him, and I have seen only a few photographs of him, but I do know that he died in the early 1920s (in 1922 I think) as a result of his service in France. He was gassed, and although he survived the experience it brought about his early death. The reason that I know this little bit of information is because a few years ago I saw some photographs of my grandparent's wedding and my mother told me that my grandmother was given away by one of her uncles as her father was dead. My grandparents were married in 1927. My great-grandmother lived until she was 81 so must have been a widow for nearly 50 years.

On this day let us remember not only those who have died serving this country, but all those who have served, and all those who serve today.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Madsadgirl-
Thanks so much for the tribute to all of the veterans that have served this country. It is so important that we remember the contributions that all of them have made. Fran

Anonymous said...

Beautiful tribute, MSG

My father (now aged 88) served in the Royal Navy in WW2 (he played a part in the D-Day landings) and it was lovely to see him this week so proudly donning his medals as he attended a Remembrance Day service at the nursing home.

The celebration of Poppy Day in Ireland usually results in heated discussions as to it's significance. It’s by telling the individual stories that there is a chance of reconciling the traditions in Ireland.

I love your pic of the poppies as with a daughter called Poppy, they're close to my heart.