Remembrance

When I was a girl, I badgered my dad about what he did in the second world war. A child’s viewpoint of the battles, but no understanding of the comrades he had lost. He never refused to answer . When I asked him if he shot anyone, he always told me – only if they were shooting me.

During Remembrance Sunday, he would stand the whole way through. Back then, many paratroopers, with their distinctive red beret marched past the cenotaph. Today not so many. I remember how sad he looked for those who weren’t lucky enough to return home.

My Father-in-law served in the second world war too.

I may not have lived during that time, but I thank those brave men and women. We should never forget because without them life would be very different.

They served with pride

for king and country with love inside

Over the top, that’s what they said

Many ended up like a book never read

Poppies gathered to mourn their dreams

ripped violently apart with fragile seams

Our Lord’s prayer, silence to say

their sacrifice kept evil at bay

I stand there thinking of the past

hoping no new wars will last

A prayer, a smile, I remember

to be thankful.