Lest We Forget

[Norman McCormick]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

[Jim McDougall]

I think of a very moving quote from the James Michener novel set during the Korean War, "Bridges at Toko-Ri", which was made into a movie in 1954.
The quote was by Admiral Tarrant, as he looked out from the bridge of his aircraft carrier and the F9F fighter jets were being launched, he said "...where do we get such men?"

Further "...they leave this ship and they do their job. Then they must find this speck lost on the sea. When they find it they must land on its pitching deck....where DO we get such men".

While clearly this quote is toward the men who piloted these jet fighters, the first line applies to all men who served, as they went to do their duty....and on this day.....especially to those who did so, and did not return.

With respect and gratitude, they will always be remembered.

[kahnjar1]

...WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. Today is November 11th and on this day in 1918 at 11am, the guns fell silent...............
We also remember those of other wars who fell for their Country and beliefs.

[Jim McDougall]

Absolutely Stu, veterans are all who fell defending their country, or their own allegiance, which should be recognized accordingly. Naturally at times there are obvious constraints which may come into play involving opposing combatants, but in essence the observation is personally qualified.

In a visit to Little Big Horn some years ago, I noticed some important changes had been made after archaeological excavations were made after a prairie fire.
Before, there were markers set where US soldiers fell and were found in situ, but now the spots where American Indian warriors had fallen had markers saying, 'here an American Indian warrior fell, defending his way of life'.

In a visit to Pearl Harbor, on the USS Arizona at the wall of names of those lost, there was a freshly placed and very large wreath of flowers, with a beautifully worded message, and almost stunningly noted, from the City of Hiroshima.

In our travels across the country, we see beautiful memorials in even the smallest of towns reverently and meticulously maintained for the losses of their sons in all the wars.

LEST WE FORGET

[Pukka Bundook]

We Will remember them.
Poppies around the Tower;