I’ve just been at the official 11.00am commemoration and silence at the Cenotaph. Even in the mididle of the city it was rather nice to note that the noise dropped off significantly as the bells tolled eleven.
Lest we forget.
90 years. Where does the time go?
Grass by Carl Sandburg
The Green Fields Of France
Why Old Men Cry
Lest we forget:
Unfortunately, in the US, it was so long ago that it means, for most Americans, that mail doesn’t get delivered tomorrow, banks are closed, some city services are curtailed, etc. If you asked the average man in the street what the significance of the day was, you’d get a shrug. Perhaps not from people over 50 or so, but certainly by most.
Almost makes me wish we had a WWI thread on here to rival the one by coldfire about WWII.
I think we’re all too young. Perhaps we can remember those we knew who served in WWI.
My Great-Uncle was in WWI–he was in the 21st Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. My Dad inherited his war memorabilia–his service medals, his insignia, and a whole bunch of other things he brought home that probably belong in a museum: maps of a battlefield, a small New Testament issued to the Army by a religious organization, English coins of the late 19th and early 20th century, a German belt buckle. A form letter from the King on Buckingham Palace letterhead thanking him for his service and wishing him a safe trip home. And two brass artillery shells (two feet by three inches?) that still stand in my house.
Uncle survived the War and came home to work in the auto industry. He died in the 1970s, and I remember him as a friendly uncle I always enjoyed seeing. Mom thought he was a little coarse, but he kept my Dad and I enthralled with his stories. Rest easy, Uncle–you and your pals did good.
Some lyrics from a song that is appropriate for this time of year: “Vimy” by Tanglefoot:
*Raise your flask, aim your rifles high
I’ve had a dream, I’ve seen we three should have no fear at all
You’ll die in Kenora, Billy; you, Jim, in Winnipeg
And I will end my days in Montreal…
Now every day I still remember what I told them
My two friends who that day from this earth were torn
And the craters and the trenches where they died now bear the names
Of the cities and the towns where they were born.*
Thanks, fellows. Many thanks.
Here’s a link to a performance of The Road to Passechendaele.
And the Last Post at Menin Gate, Ypres - the Belgians have done this every night since the Gate was dedicated in 1927. Even during WWII, when the Germans suspended it, the ceremony was carried on by expatriates in London.
We stopped work and even refused to answer the phone at 11.00am. Lest we Forget.
I haven’t been to any services today, but at the appropriate times they have been in my thoughts.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them.
I also took the time to explain to my kid what it’s all about, so she’ll remember too.
Kansas City has the US’s only WWI memorial. If you ever are in the area, do take time to see this amazing memorial. I learned so much about WWI.
My great uncle Capt. Peter McNaughton. I flatter myself to think there is a family resemblance. If you click on the thumbnail, it gives all the particulars of his death, though it takes a while to load.
There is a story that was told to me by my second cousin - Captain Peter McNaughton received his orders for that day and knew that they were going to be in for heavy casualties. He told his men to do their duty to the fullest extent and to watch for each other. They went over; Captain Peter was well beyond the German line when he took a bullet in the wrist. He had papers on him that could not fall into enemy hands; so, before he ran back, before he sought help, he had to eat the code papers in case he couldn’t make it back over to the Allied side. He bled to death before he reached the line. This was related to my cousin by men of my great uncle’s regiment, men who felt his advice had saved their lives and who regretted bitterly that he was too far ahead for them to reach him.
I abhor war, and for that reason I will never forget what millions have sacrificed.
Thank you for this and the other November 11th threads. I’, nearly late for my posting, but it’s still the 11th where I am. Wonderful stuff to read and to give cause to remember.
My maternal grandfather was in World War I. While stationed in France he kept a diary. He did not write much in it but on Veteran’s Day I like to pull out a transcription I made and red his entries, especially for November 11th. I never met him as he died of tuberculosis before I was born, but reading his diary helps make a connection. Ever since the ANZAC posting earlier this year I thought that I would like to share this with interested Dopers.
Nov, 10, ‘18
It is understood that the armistice will be signed to-morrow at 11.00 A.M. OH Boy if that is so there will be some joy believe me. We are in what used to be a little town and can’t understand how any of these people ever lived through it.
Nov. 11th 1918
Very heavy artillery fire up till 11.00 AM then like the bottom of the earth had fallen out the noise stopped. The natives here are almost crazy and are running around with wine to give the boys. everything seems so different all of a sudden, everybody has a smile on their faces even the birds are singing, I guess there must be something to that armistice and hope it is all over, the Huns are retreating and the Yanks are still advancing so I guess they are not going to take any chances.
Here is hoping it is all over.
My father’s uncle also served in France and was killed in action. He is buried in Verdun and I’ve had the good fortune to have visited his grave. My dad was named after him and I have the same middle name. On this day I also like to think of his sacrifice as well.
Best wishes to all, especially to those who have served and to those who continue to do so.