Armistice Day

I will seldom go off topic but there are some events that I cannot, in good conscience, ignore.

I have no comprehension at all how those in the armed services do what they do. I do not understand that level of bravery but I am grateful for it.

I cannot begin to imagine what Britain would be like without the work and sacrifice of those brave men and women, not only today but from years past.

I struggle to understand some evil. I try, fail and I am allowed to walk away from it. I am lucky enough to be able to walk away because other people have paid the price for my innocence for years and years and years.

The grace in the face of horror, the strength and the humour of the armed services humbles me and makes me immensely proud of my country.

Barry Delaney and Kevin Elliott made a (I suspect drunken) promise to one another that if one of them were to die that the other would wear the most lurid dress posible to the funeral. These young men were brave and young and had a silly sense of humour which is quite right. The contrast between the humour and the honour is heartbreaking. Private Elliott was killed defending his platoon from a granade attack in Afghanistan. He died alongside Sergeant Stuart Millar. These men are pictured below

EVERYONE suddenly burst out singing;
And I was filled with such delight
As prisoned birds must find in freedom,
Winging wildly across the white
Orchards and dark-green fields; on—on—and out of sight.

Everyone’s voice was suddenly lifted;
And beauty came like the setting sun:
My heart was shaken with tears; and horror
Drifted away … O, but Everyone
Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing
will never be done.

This poem was written by Siegfried Sassoon on hearing of the ceasefire and considering those who had died.

Would you like another?