I had the absolute pleasure and honour of spending an hour or so this morning with Ron Goldstein and his daughter at Westminster Abbey. Ron was laying a poppy cross at the AJEX plot on behalf of his brother Jacob Goldstein who was killed while flying over Germany on 16th March 1945 and I laid a cross at the Irish Fusiliers' plot for Fusilier Edward Graham, who was killed in Sicily on 13th August 1943. As we wandered up Whitehall, Ron had the chance to meet Field Marshal Montgomery for the third time - the last time was in 1943. Lest we forget.
Richard The pleasure & honour was all mine ! You certainly made my day and were of much help in explaining things to the many interested passers by. I attach a few pics that you might find of some interest. Hoping to have the pleasure of meeting up again some time in the future Lest we forget ! Ron
It is really good seeing the photographs. So many poppies in remembrance of loved ones from towns and villages all over the world. "From little towns in a far land, we came To save our honour, and a world aflame; By little towns in a far land, we sleep And trust those things we won, to you to keep." Rudyard Kipling
Richard et al...... Sadly, I won't be able to repeat the process this year as I am conserving my depleted energies for the AJEX Commemoration Service & Parade on Sunday the 18th. I am also, for the first time in 70 odd years, not marching, but have opted instead for a seat in the Cenotaph area. Best regards Ron
Dear Ron, Thanks for the note.. I can fully understand...one of the highlights of last year was meeting you and your daughter in November and I still owe you a return lunch. I would surely like to "join" you on the 18th but have another lunch engagement 6,000 miles away on that day. This year, before jumping on a plane in the evening, I'll be at the Field of Remembrance at the opening ceremony on Thursday morning (9th)...I was chatting to my Dad's mate Charles Ward at the weekend and, if he recovers from a bout of ill health, Charles'll be with his wife Margaret at the First Army plot on Thursday. Charles will likely to be one of the very, very few North African veterans on parade on Sunday so look out for them both...the only married couple with Italy Stars probably. If you have a last minute change of mind for the Field, I have a "spare" ticket for Thursday and will be drinking coffee at the Methodist Hall across the road from about 845am onwards... lots of hanging around mind. best wishes
