Remembrance Day 2012

We attended a lovely service at Trafalgar Memorial for Remembrance Day this morning.  There were probably over 200 people in attendance and the weather was amazing for the first time we can remember (+15).  There were some veterans and some who have recently served also in attendance.  In addition to our moment of silence and some speaches from our local MPs, there was a reading of In Flanders Fields and this poem below that we were all quite touched by.
Lest we not forget!

Why Wear a Poppy Poem by Don Crawford

“Please wear a Poppy”, the lady said and held one forth, but I shook my head, Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there, And her face was old and lined with care; But beneath the scars the years had made There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street, Bouncing along on carefree feet, His smile was full of joy and fun: “Lady”, said he, “May I have one”? When she pinned it on he turned to say, “Why do we wear a poppy today”?

The lady smiled in her wistful way, And answered, “This is Remembrance Day, And the poppy there is a symbol for The gallant men who died in war, And because they did, you and I are free, That’s why we wear the poppy, you see”.

I had a boy about your size, With golden hair and big blue eyes. He loved to play and jump and shout, Free as a bird he would race about. As the years went by he learned and grew, And became a man – as you will, too.

But the war went on and he had to stay, And all I could do was wait and pray. His letters told of the awful fight, (I can see it still in my dreams at night) With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, and the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

“Till at last, at last, the war was won – And that’s why we wear a poppy, son.” The small boy turned as if to go, Then said, “Thanks lady, I’m glad to know, That sure did sound like an awful fight, But your son – did he come back all right?”

A tear rolled down each faded cheek: She shook her head but didn’t speak. I slunk away in a sort of shame, And if you were me you’d have done the same: For our thanks, in giving, is often delayed Through our freedom was bought And thousands paid.

And so when we see a poppy worn, Let us reflect on the burden borne, By those who gave their very all, When asked to answer their country’s call. That we at home in peace might live.

Then wear a poppy, Remember And give.