This Remembrance Sunday, I will be . . .

doing an Economics Essay
But will be partaking in toasting my relatives ( all i have is amaretto unfortunately) this evening when i have some down time to myself. Might go to the pub for a pint with a housemate. Will do it properly with my dad and my brother and sister on Wednesday when I go home for my birthday.
For LCpl Frederick Cousins, 29078, Somerset Light Infantry, KIA 25/05/1918
For Cpl Frederick John Cousins, 14330705, Black Watch, KIA 24/03/1945
Also mourning two more soldiers KIA this weekend, both from the Rifles, one on Rememberance Sunday morning

 

The Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede this morning, 8 November 2009.

 

Owen..did they march past Marks n Sparks... I heared there was a "missunderstanding" there with shop management this week.

 

Well, despite the best intentions of a major rail company in not having anything running into London from where I live, I managed to get into central London, with my youngest daughter, for a cold but thankfully not wet Remembrance Sunday.

Some photographs to follow, apologies for the quality but I was using a different camera which does not have anti hand shake!

Also is it me or do less and less people sing the National Anthem when it is played now?

The Guards as normal were pristine in their turnout, and having seen some of the cadets (young teens mostly) marching I can honestly say that one group must have someone from the Guards drilling them as they were absolutely perfect in every movement and obviously took pride in both their appearance (even in battle dress) and their drill, a credit to themselves.

Anyway here are the photos, and guess who the biggest cheer was for?

 

And more

 

Me and my second youngest went
to Lichfield Cathedral

 

As last year I attended the Berlin CWGC for the Commonwealth Act of Remembrance Service followed by the St Georges Anglican (Episcopol) Church Service.

Unfortunately, this year due to taking part in the Remembrance services I was unable to use my camera, but have copied both brochures for those members who may wish to see what occurred at both venues.

There was about 250 people present at the War Cemetery and St Georges Curch was full, so with good weather (Only Cold) it was a good Act of remembrance with Piper, Bugler and standards from the RBL and the French counterpart.

I took some photos on Friday's Practice and post those here.

The Wreath's had been laid on the 5th by visitors from the RAF


Regards
Tom

 

Well done Andy for going to London......Probably the only time now I would be willing to return to my home town.

I watched the service on TV and very moving and funny. Ref funny if you watched it on the TV you'll know what I mean

 

Here in the United States, we refer to Nov 11 as Veteran's Day, and we use the day to honor living veterans. We observe the ultimate sacrifice of those in war in May, a practice that pre-dates the Great War.

Following the Civil War, General Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, ordered the placing of flowers on the graves of soldiers, both Confederate and Union, who were buried in Arlington. This was done the first week of May and became known as Decorations Day. The observance soon spread to other parts of the country and was soon formalized by the various state governments. Over time, the day was moved to the latter part of May and the name was changed to Memorial Day. Veterans Day was first observed as Armistice day in 1919 and in 1954, the day was expanded to current concept of honoring all Veterans

Invariably, the focus of each day has been blurred, due to the very deadly aspects of war, such that even though Nov 11 is officially a recognition of our living Veterans, the memories of those who served and sacrificed their lives is also rekindled on Nov 11th and respect for those who served and made it home to their loved ones is extended as an addition to the May 30th memorials.

Today, prior to the worship service, our church passed out poppies to affix to our clothing, In Flanders Fields was read and recognition and thanks were extended to the veterans of the church, both of wartime and peacetime. I am still amazed at the large number of our church members who are veterans and I would guess that it is between 30-40% of all adult members, male and female, and is in addition to the 8-10 who are presently on duty, either with the active forces or the National Guard. This is in a congregation of around 325-350.

In closing, I salute you Veterans, in the US and other countries.

 

Thank you for the photos, guys.

 

We went to the National Memorial Arboretum as usual. We attended the morning Remembrance Service and then laid poppies and crosses for my uncle who died in Korea and my husband's great uncle who died in Sicily.

As ever, a very moving occasion.

 

On November 11, 2009, I will post Remembrance Day photos and HRH Prince Charles will be in attendance.

 

what?...youve got charlie round for tea .. .im impressed ...either that or your canadian...

 

No such luck. Just will be hopefully in attendace at Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph in Ottawa. My Dad usually marches with his friends. He's 82! This year we will have HRH Prince Charles and wife in attendance. Hope I don't get called to teach! I found an interesting photo of Lord Mountbatten taken I believe by my father-in-law in 1944 amongst all the memoribilia. I enjoy rereading all the correspondence back and forth. It weaves an interesting story of one so young, gone to soon.

 

Oops, I think it's a photo of Prince Edward on the left in the 1st pic, my father-in-law is front left in the 2nd pic.

 

Oops, I think it's a photo of Prince Edward on the left in the 1st pic, my father-in-law is front left in the 2nd pic.

Sorry for straying off thread but I would confirm your thoughts. It looks like the man to me.
I wonder when and where the picture was taken, as Prince Edward was, I believe, in the Bermudas during the conflict.

Regards
Tom

 

My father-in-law was sent to Nassau in the Bahamas, so it could have been taken there.

 

I was meeting God and his two Disciples at the 13th Essex memorial unveiling!