Its Veterans Day in the US today. Let us not forget all the brave men who have served this country through out history and honor their memory today.
:flag_uk::flag_nz::flag_netherlands::flag_oz::flag_canada: To all who fought and are fighting. Thank you. You will never be forgotten.
It is amazing how different nations call it different things, for example, here in Australia it is known as the 11/11 Remembrance day. The day the Guns fell silent and the Great war ended. For Australia, this meant alot for her image to the other countries and it proved that even as a small nation with a small army we could hold up against the mighty Germans and Turks and win just as any other superpower nation. We proved that we were reliable, dependable, and that we along with the Canadians were some of the first units to break through the Hindenburg line. This is a day that we morn the lost, celebrate the heroes and be proud of what they achieved, and we can only hope that we as the new generation never have to prove ourselves as they did. We also remember all those soldiers that died form the French, to the Americans, and even the Germans, they all did their nations proud, may they all rest in peace. And as my signature pronounces: They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning We shall remember them. Lest We Forget
Well, here in the USA it was originally called "Armistice Day", but was changed to "Veterans Day" after WW2 so as to set a day aside to honor all veterans of America’s wars since WW1. Our Memorial Day in May was established after our Civil War (or War between the States), to honor those veterans (on both sides), but has been expanded since then to encompass all veterans of all wars before and since. It used to be called "Decoration Day", so that name has also evolved in the US. Nov. 11th is still "Armistice Day" in France (and Belgium?), I don’t believe it is celebrated in Germany, per se. They have a celebration but it is not related to veterans, WW1, WW2, or the military (I believe), but to a church holiday. I believe it is "Remembrance Day" in all of the UK, its Dominions, and Commonwealth nations, but don’t count on it since I am an ethnocentric American. Seems like I have also seen Nov. 11th called "Poppy Day" by some, but maybe that is just an old and no longer used term. I wonder what (if anything) it is called in the Republic of Ireland? Or if it is even recognized, since they did have a number of men who did serve with the British in WW1 and 2, but they were also sort of rebelling and fighting for their own independence all during WW1 weren't they? No matter the name, let us all pause for a moment and reflect on the cost of wars in general, and why they were fought.
They've been having a vigorous discussion of this very subject over at WW2Talk. It's brought some interesting characters out of the woodwork. But Mr Lowkey himself, Adam, has keep things on a relatively even keel.
Yes, let us all celebrate (moderate)peace in the world and hope that the World will not be rocked by conflict for many many years to come.
:flag_USAcryingeagle I'm sure all my BTDT friends will be remembering as well. So many of our buddies are still lying in the ETO/PTO where we were the lucky ones that came back home,maybe battered and torn -- but HOME!!! Sgtleo
the fire is roaring, the rain is coming down and I am holding up a Glass of Wine to tribute friends and Family from both sides that have fallen during service to their countries. thank you again to our veteran members that have aided us with beneficial information on this board. I challenge each and every man/woman/child that frequent here to make a special act of thanking a veteran today whether it be on the street, an email (have written at least 6 this morn so far), phone call, down to the mall or wherever as it does not matter............. but go thank a VET. They/We need to know that YOU care ~ v/r E
Remembrance Day here in Canada....We Shall Never Forget In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, May 1915 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.
I was there today Richard and it was a very moving service, particularly the spontaneous applause when the veterans arrived with their escorts (Johnson Beharry VC, Marine Jones MC and Flt. Lt. Goodman DFC). Henry Allingham struggled to lay the wreath himself, managing it just as Big Ben struck 1100. As Marine Jones laid his wreath he was clearly moved, holding the shoulder of (I believe) William Stone as he saluted. The veterans again recieved applause as they left. All in all, a good tribute, very moving and sombre yet somehow with a sense of hope about it. I'm glad I was there.
Thank you to all of have served, will serve, and are serving. You do many things without thinking that many are too afraid to even consider doing.
No worries Richard, someone had to represent the forum there It's just a shame I hadn't thought before or I'd have got my service dress out and done it properly.
I was out xmas shopping today with the wife, and youngest as we came out a shop the strains of the last post, had just started so me and the wife and many others stoped and stood in silence for 2 mins thing is quite a few people DID NOT IGNORANCE OR RUDENESS there can be in this day and age no excuse.R.I.P to all the Veterans who fell and continue to in service to thier Country and to those who returned then and now from serving us the people who really should stop and give so very little in return.
Yes. More people need to know how costly freedom is. Thank you, all veterans! Without you, today might not be the same.
