As some of you know, some of my family were military and I have quite a few friends who were/are still in the forces.
I thought it would be appropriate at this time of year, for those who wish to show their respect and give thanks to those who have and do serve to have a thread to do so.
Please note, that if you don't wish to do so, that is fine too.
On a personal note.
Shoulder to Shoulder you stood tall,
Shoulder to Shoulder you still stand.
Thank you to all those who have gone and to those who still serve.
Your bravery is not forgotten.
I too have family and friends who were/are in the forces, some of whom are still with us, others who passed many years ago.
It is important to remember that no matter how small or large their contribution it has (and still does) make a difference to the freedom the people of this Nation.
Stand proud, tall and (as @RB says) shoulder to shoulder. Thank you,.
This is by Wilfred Owen M.C., the most famous Old Boy from my Grammar School. He was killed in action one week (almost to the hour) before The Armistice.
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.
Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime.—
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,—
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.
.
Thanks RB. Other than long-lost great-great uncles that I never knew, I only have an ex-sis-in-law who served, so don't claim any connection with the military; but said great-great-uncles and all their comrades who served and fell in the two great wars weren't "military" - they were civilians who gave their all in defence of every thing they loved. Their sacrifice can never be forgotten.
During a 2 minute silence at the NMA at Lee Rigby's name a small child appeared with his mother, boldly looked at us, strode to the wall close to Lee's name, put his hand on the wall, turned around & while looking at us all proudly said that's my daddy, no need to say how we all felt needing tissues. Tomorrow i'm attending my local service. We stand shoulder to shoulder.
![Shoulder to Shoulder - Rememberance - Forums [Biker Match]](/images/backgrounds/strips/8mobileLQ.jpg)
![Shoulder to Shoulder - Rememberance - Forums [Biker Match]](/images/backgrounds/strips/8desktopLQ.jpg)
