As my wife and I have over the last few years enjoyed and made a great number of friends as we have travelled around Europe and further afield with our car & caravan we have been very thankful for the freedom in which we have been able to do this, and while on a recent visit to the National Memorial Arboretum I spotted the following poem in an exhibit called The Polar Bear which I think says it all, while each time we have called into The Menin Gate and attended the Last Post Ceremony we have been able to offer a sincere 'Thank you'
I hope after you read it you will feel the same and offer a little 'Thank you'
A Poem written by Jodie Johnson (Aged 9) from Lancashire, England and called:
50 Years Late
I am Only a child and it’s hard to explain,
The feelings I have as I sit in the rain,
And I think of the men who went off to war,
Knowing they would not come home anymore.
I cannot say thank you to the men left in France,
Who laid down their lives to give me a chance,
I cannot say thank you to the ones who returned,
For thank you is not what those brave men earned.
I owe them my life, as I live it today,
A life lived in freedom because of that day,
I owe them much more than I can ever repay,
I owe them the lives that they gave up that day,
They will live in my heart for as long as I live,
And my children will learn of that gift that they give.
“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”
------------- According to Winnie the Pooh .... “Planning is what you do before you do it so that when you do it you don't get mixed up".
Quote: Originally posted by lissabuff on 24/10/2015
that is a wonderful thing, as most of us will say "thankyou" but it will never be enough for those who never came home.... bless them all
I think that is the main reason for visiting the Menin Gate as we pass through and also supporting the Poppy Appeal each and every year.
------------- According to Winnie the Pooh .... “Planning is what you do before you do it so that when you do it you don't get mixed up".
Rememberance Day is now even closer to our hearts. This year our son joined the Army. And is a Rifleman in 3 Rifles.
We always give a prayer of thanks to those who have fought for us. And for those still fighting.
But now, it means so much more.
Quote: Originally posted by wilsonclanx6 on 25/10/2015
Rememberance Day is now even closer to our hearts. This year our son joined the Army. And is a Rifleman in 3 Rifles. We always give a prayer of thanks to those who have fought for us. And for those still fighting. But now, it means so much more.
I think this is true - when a member of the family joins the forces - my mum and dad did not go to the cenotaph when I was growing up but when I joined the RAF at 17 they did.
I always go and pay my respects to the fallen as I did when I was in the Air Cadets at 15 and beyond.
I now have a son in the AAC and step son in the QDG and both myself and my hubby always go to the cenotaph - on all occasions where we can.
When we were in Egypt last year we were away for armistice day but made sure that we wore our poppies the whole time we were there and observed the 2 minute silence too.
------------- Degsy Rowlands is my love, my life and a lunatic!!!!!!!! Louise x
Hi Duffs54.
That looks FABULOUS. I have no objection and welcome you putting it on your FB page.
While to everyone who has shared their words and thoughts on this topic I would also like to say
'Thank you'
And to the folks who read it and went out and donated some pennies to buy a Poppy another 'Thank you'
For the first time in our lives, last Sunday afternoon my wife and I stepped up to the mark and looked after a Poppy Donation Point at a Motorway Services while we were overwhelmed by the generosity of the folks who donated their money for different items on the stand we were also amazed at how many people donated and asked for nothing in return.
While the 2 highlights of the time we spent was firstly with a little girl who was around 10 years old and has Downs Syndrome.
Her eyes lit up when she saw all the items we had on the stand and then as I picked up a Poppy Pencil and Eraser and gave them to her, the biggest smile appeared on her face!
She then 'signed' Thank you to me which her Mum explained what she was doing!
I copied her with my hand and arm and returned the compliment and that smile on her pretty face got even bigger!
Next was a couple from Germany who asked what it was about, so we explained and they thanked us & went off into the cafe, however on the way out the man stopped and with the help of another English person to sort out the coins he then came over to the table and put a donation in the collecting box.
I must admit that we are looking forward to going back again this week.
------------- According to Winnie the Pooh .... “Planning is what you do before you do it so that when you do it you don't get mixed up".
Who are these men
Who march so proud
Who quietly weep
Eyes closed, heads bowed?
These are the men
Who once were boys
Who missed out on youth
And all of its joys.
Who are these men
With aged faces
Who silently count
The empty spaces?
These are the men
Who gave their all;
Who fought for their country
For freedom for all.
Who are these men
With sorrowful look
Who still can remember
The live that were took?
These are the men
Who saw young men die
The price of peace
Is always high.
Who are these men
Who in the midst of pain
Whispered comfort to those
They would not see again?
These are the men
Whose hands held tomorrow
Who brought back our future
With blood, tears and sorrow.
Who are these men
Who promise to keep
Alive in their hearts
The ones God holds asleep?
These are the men
To whom I promise again
Veterans, my friends,
I WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Written by Jodie Johnson (aged 11)
Both beautiful well-written poems, and from someone so young too - they brought a tear to my eyes.
------------- Tigermouse
I have a very temperamental personality - 50% temper and 50% mental
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: As Remembrance Day approaches
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