This mornings silence

[blackrose]

As usual I fell silent on the 11th hour to give my thoughts to those who fell in battle across the world, WW1, WW2, both conflicts in the Gulf, Falklands, Bosnia N Ireland the list could go on, having been in the services I have personnally lost friends in some of the mentioned conflicts and today gave special thoughts to them.
But we should never forget the many civillian lives lost during all the wars that tear the world apart.

[Spruance]

Whilst I appreciate that 11th November is Remembrance Day proper, I still tend to associate the act of remembrance with Sunday's service at The Cenotaph.

I am very fortunate not to have lost any friends or indeed family members in action in armed conflicts. Having said that, my Mum's father died of TB contracted whilst manning anti-aircraft batteries in Aberdeen in 1943, and three uncles also served during WW2.

I have nothing but admiration for the brave men and women who are prepared to put their lives on the line for Queen & Country.

During the First World War, it was said of the ordinary troops that they were Lions led by Donkeys. Sadly that is again the case.

[Deleted]

I'm sorry to say that I have lost a few friends during Gulf War 1 and 2 and unfortunately some whilst training for war

I nearly lost my husband during Gulf War 1

[Deleted]

Rita

I'm sorry to hear that you have lost friends (and nearly your husband) in such needless circumstances.

I often wonder how dropping bombs and shooting people is supposed to solve the world's problems. I guess I'll never really understand it and that's why I'm not a politician.

I wear a red poppy at this time of year to remember ALL of those who have fallen in ALL conflicts (regardless of which side they were on), at any time and also as a mark of respect and gratitude to those who have served and who are continuing to do so. They are the REAL heroes in this country, not a bunch of overpaid prima donna's prancing round a football pitch on a Saturday afternoon.

FA x

[Deleted]

Rita, sorry for your losses.

This year, for the first time, there was official remembrance of the young Irish lads who died at the Somme 90 years ago - surely one of history's most needless slaughters (although there's probably a lot of competition for that title). For the first time, thanks to the peace process and general political and social maturity, very elderly people who had lost fathers and other relatives felt able to remember them publicly, and a lot of what was written was very moving. Thousands of Irish lads also fought and died in WWII, and their stories are now gradually being told. Much as I abhor war, I do think we need to remember its victims on all sides ...

[blackrose]

CR I'd agree with you there, victims on all sides should be remembered, after all they are every bit human as we are and were just obeying orders to go into battle.