One of the things I like about England is Remembrance Day or Veteran's Day. They involve young and old- everyone (and I mean that almost literally not the teenage kind of everyone) buys and wears a poppy on their shirt. Private and public schools hold special assemblies in honor of these heroes of the past. Even church had a special emphasis beginning the service early remembering those that were killed in battle specifically this year, hearing taps played by one of the kids on his trumpet, praying for the soldiers' families, and then singing 'God Save the Queen' at the end.
It was announced that if you were from a different country you didn't have to sing England's national anthem but we did because they provided the words to sing along. They are appreciative of your effort to accept and appreciate their country. Another aspect of Remembrance Day is that at every war memorial or monument, you will find wreaths of poppies laid at the base.In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot. Mark Twain Quotes
We would do well in America to be more involved in Veteran's Day rather than leaving it to the older generation or the families of service men and women. We've become far too complacent about the privilege of our freedoms and the cost by which they were acquired. I remember watching 'Saving Private Ryan' for the first time and 'We Were Soldiers' and how I left the movie theatre sobbing and sobbing because of the graphic reminder of our liberty. I felt that every young person should have to see that - gory as it was to gain some sense of the personal cost to their daily life.
This is dedicated to the men in my family that have served our country - my dad, my brother, my Uncle Jay, and adopted bros Jonathan Stamberg and Adam Ray.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
2 comments:
Veterans Day has become more meaningful for me, partially because of Jonathan's Army stories and watching "We Were Soldiers earlier this year. Thanks for sharing about the customs in England and for dedicating it to my hubby! We love y'all!
Reminds me of a quote found on a war monument in TN.
"Poor is the nation that has no heroes. Beggard is the nation who has them and forgets." author unknown
I remember your taking the kids to visit the VA one Veterans Day. Thanks for that...and for this.
Post a Comment