"A Time to Remember"

"Between the crosses row on row..."

And so begins one of the most famous, well known poems ever wrtitten. Inspired not by love or beauty, but by sadness and loss. A penned prose of homage to the brave soldiers of war.

It is a poem I learned as a school girl, to be recited at the Remembrance Day assembly every year. We were told of the story behind the words. We studied the 'World Wars' in history classes. But we didn't really know what it was like, as the events took place before 'our time'. We had to ask our parents, or our grandparents if we were lucky enough to still have them with us.

My grandfather was in the services. And when his call of duty was over, he attended Remembrance Day services every year. Bampy passed away when I was very young, and my memories of him are few. My older sisters were blessed to have had  more time with him, and their memories are of a gentle, loving, and joyful man. But every November 11th, he become a solemn man, a man who donned his old uniform, and went to the cenotaph ceremony to quietly pay his respects, and remember. My sister Ruth went with him. And even as a youngster, she somehow knew this was a time to be seen and not heard, to just stand still and hold her Bampy's hand. Still today, her memory of this brings her to tears, the image of her proud Bampy standing strong and silent on that cool November day is as vivid as ever. She has written her own moving poem, and those of us who have been honored to read it, deeply know why it's important to 'never forget'.

Today, once again, we are hearing the horrible stories of war and destruction. Brave men and women are putting their lives on the line everyday, in worlds far removed from ours. Mothers and fathers are losing their sons and daughters. Children are losing their fathers and mothers. Families, and their communities, are shouldering the most difficult of days when a hometown hero is laid to rest.
We must not forget those who survive their tours of duty to return home, for their lives have been forever changed, the unimaginable images of war etched in their memories, life as they knew it, a thing of the past. Their bravery must continue, as they heal, and try to move beyond the experiences of war.

And please remember the innocent victims of war. They did no wrong. They were just living and growing where they were planted. Their mothers and fathers, brothers or sisters, children and communities, are grieving too. Find it in your hearts to say a silent prayer for them.

A supporter of war, or not... you must support the men and women, and their families, who have been called to a duty that most of us will never know. Remember them in your prayers, remember them in your thoughts, remember them in your hearts, remember them on November 11th.

Wear a poppy and remember, lest we forget.





Keep on keeping on... bArB :)