My 2 minutes

[Mrs Ava]

I was sitting in front of the computer, taking a break from the housework when I heard the radio go quiet at 11am.  I paused, thought about my grandad who died from injuries in the second world war, and the other lads and lasses who fought and died for what they believed in.  I remembered them.  Hope you paused for a second or 2.

[Mrs Ava]

[GREENWIZARD]

thought of my granda killed in ww2 & is buried in france :'(

[tim]

Coincidentally, we were just chatting to our ex-vicaress, who I had asked in to discuss our funeral arrangements. Plan ahead! She's such a sweetie.

So we broke off the chat - &, yes, so much sadness - but so much to be grateful for.

[rosebud]

YES, of course Emma, thought of all people killed in conflict. God Bless them for our freedom today.

[aquilegia]

I started off well. Thought of all the people and how terrible it must've been for their families. (fortunately we didn't lose anyone) Then thought about my great aunt who died a couple of years ago. It would've been her birthday today, so everyone called her Poppy (I have no idea what her real name was!)

Then I had to take a delivery and the delivery man must've forgotten the time and made me speak! Stupid work... grrr.

[busy_lizzie]

I was attending a funeral this morning, so I am afraid it wasn't observed by me or the people surrounding me.  I looked at my watch after the service and found it was 11.20 so we missed it.  Had to take time later to sit and think about it. 

My father was in the fire service at home so although he was in a lot of danger at times, he lived through it.  a lot of my mother's relatives lost their lives in the first world war and the second. One of her cousins actually brought a German wife home with him.  There was such bad feeling towards the Germans then that unfortunately she was shunned by my Mother's people and they had to separate and she went back to Germany. busy_lizzie

[Mimi]

I haven't lost anyone in active service.....I do however stop and spend time thinking, not just on Remembrance Day but frequently throughout the year.  I care for a lot of our 'old timers' that where there at the time, and, I admire and think of them often during the year.  Eldest daughter is in the Armed Services and its a very special day for her and her colleagues too.   Will be attending the Remembrance service in the town on Sunday morning.

[adam04]

we have a one minute silence at school.

Today it was at the end of german, however our german teacher had other things on her mind, she heard the bell and wasnt too keen on her lesson being interupted, i then spent the next minute watching her being rather rude and looking at her watch every 7 seconds or so, even though there was a bell at the end of the minute. bit pathetic really, just so she could ahnd out some homework after it.....

[ellkebe]

We had a two minute silence in a memorial service in chapel in school today, and the head boy and girl laid wreathes.  Plus all the names of staff and pupils lost in WW1 and 2 read out.  Good to see the students being reminded and involved.  I personally always find the bugles moving as they were played at my Grandad's funeral (fought but fortunately didn't die in WW1).

[lorna]

I was sad to hear today that one of our neighbours (86) has died. He was chosen to lay the Cambridgeshire Regiments wreath on remembrance day parade.  His funeral was today  Armistice day. He always attended all parades in the town and was a well known and respected member of our community. He was always so proud to wear his medals.

[BAGGY]

We have been given the honour of marching at the cenotaph in London on Sunday.  Pray for fine wheather,or else look out for the soggy scout leaders on the box.

[Robert_Brenchley]

The thing which worries me is that there's no remembrance of the victims of war, and these days the vast majority of the casualties are civilians, we've had a fair few in my wife's family, including my stepdaughter, who's still suffering from PTSD. At times it shades into sheer militarism. If they put less emphasis on the parades, and more on the civilian deaths, and the sheer waste of it all, I'd find it more acceptable.

[redimp]

we have a one minute silence at school.

Today it was at the end of german, however our german teacher had other things on her mind, she heard the bell and wasnt too keen on her lesson being interupted, i then spent the next minute watching her being rather rude and looking at her watch every 7 seconds or so, even though there was a bell at the end of the minute. bit pathetic really, just so she could ahnd out some homework after it.....

A few John Cleese impressions needed methinks.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I had a badly-behaved class which insisted on observing it, and managed dead silence for two minutes. Normally they're horribly noisy.

[tim]

Nice point, Robert. There must be an answer, but need time to find it. As someone who has killed non- military people, albeit without intent, I find it very difficult.

Meanwhile, without intending to be facetious or disrespectful, may I take up Emma's quote? I have always wished that it were shall. If you've had to do it as often as I have, I hope that you've been able to get your tongue around the we will bit. It's a struggle every time.

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.

I do think that all this has brought home many very personal views of years of destruction. I do hope that we all absorb something from it. Even more so than from the many official events.


wardy, Baggy - photographs to prove it, please??

[redimp]

In addition to my fascetious remark above I (being a primary school teacher) do try to ensure that 11 November is marked properly and for the right reasons - although 2 mins is a bit long for 7,8,9 year olds, and that they know the reasons behind it.  I did get pulled up by a parent once though because she wanted her little Jonny shielding from death.  The betting is though that she buys a gutter tabloid so that said child gets a perfectly balanced view of life.

Yesterday I was on a course and the two minutes was followed impeccably - it is one of the few good things this government has done, making sure that everybody is reminded about the sacrifice because the two minutes is always the main feature o fthe news even if people haven't observed it.

[BAGGY]

Tim - if I can sneak a photo I will do so.  Bit worried about possible rain as there isn't a drop off for belongings such as coats etc so we have to carry everything in our pockets without looking like we've been shoplifting  ;D
Will see what I can do.  There are only six adults going tomorrow - the kids will be at our church with the other leaders. And they get tea and biscuits after the service.  Too spoilt.

[Lily]

I observed the 2 mins silence at work, on Friday. as we always do.  Today (Sunday) at 11am, I was travelling to meet family for a meal.  Something we wouldn't be able to do, I'm sure, if the war had a different ending.

I'm sure many died as a result of the bombing raids my dad went on. Something to which he cried and regretted just before he died.

I like to think that I remember ALL those that died in all wars and will always be grateful to them that defended our freedom.

Lily

[Glyn]

THE FINAL INSPECTION

                 The soldier stood and faced God,

                Which must always come to pass.

                He hoped his shoes were shining,

                  Just as brightly as his brass.

                "Step forward now, you soldier,

                How shall I deal with you ?

                Have you always turned the other cheek ?

                To My Church have you been true?"
 
                The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

                "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

                Because those of us who carry guns,

                Can't always be a saint.

                I've had to work most Sundays,

                And at times my talk was tough.

                And sometimes I've been violent,

                Because the world is awfully rough.

                But, I never took a penny,

                That wasn't mine to keep...

                Though I worked a lot of overtime,

                When the bills got just too steep.

                And I never passed a cry for help,

                Though at times I shook with fear.

                And sometimes, God, forgive me,

                I've wept unmanly tears.

                I know I don't deserve a place,

                Among the people here.

                They never wanted me around,

                Except to calm their fears.

                If you've a place for me here, Lord,

                It needn't be so grand.

                I never expected or had too much,

                But if you don't, I'll understand.

                There was a silence all around the throne,

                Where the saints had often trod.

                As the soldier waited quietly,

                For the judgment of his God.

                "Step forward now, you soldier,

                You've borne your burdens well.

                Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

                You've done your time in Hell."

                 ~Author Unknown~

                     It's the Military, not the reporter, who has given us
  the freedom of the press.
It's the Military, not the poet, who has given  us the freedom of speech.
It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to Life, Liberty
and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and
whose coffin is draped by the flag.