May We Never Forget
Introduction
Good Evening all at the WA Family, have spent most of the day debating about writing this blog. Due to the lock down have been unable to attend any of the events which I had either organised or coordinated for the next three days, to remember the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
We might be celebrating or remembering the declaration of the end of World War Two, but I like many, especially those who served, who lost family, whilst giving thanks for the peace, remember those who did not return.
The image I felt was suitable it was taken in one of the cemeteries in Normandy, and contains those who did not make the journey back having landed on D-Day.
It is not my intention to dwell on this post today, but I felt that in a small way it would pay tribute to those who did not return, no matter what country or creed, as they all were fighting for their own beliefs and countries.
The fact is that I also remember with great pride, my Father, Uncle and Great Uncle who all served in the war, returning safely, sadly none of them are with us today. In fact Great Uncle Harry lived past 100 and was a veteran of Dunkirk. By a strange quirk of fate he was Dad's best man and they met in Africa, as did Dad and Uncle, who was Mum's brother.
In paying my respects with this blog may we never forget the sacrifice made by all who failed to return, or having returned died as a result of wounds, or the trauma which war inflicted on them.
"They shall grow not old as we that are left grow, Age Shall not weary them, or the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and, in the morning we will remember them"
God Bless
Stuart
Recent Comments
59
It is a very beautiful tribute to all these men who gave their lives for the freedom of the world. They did not fight in vain, because today we owe them our freedom.
So thank you to your father, your uncle and your great uncle they are heroes and men of immense generosity!
Ingrid
Thank you Stuart, very poignant post.
Our village and our surrounding villages here in the South Downs were festooned with bunting and flags. People had small tables outside in their front gardens and sat at safe distances to mark the day.
It all looked really charming. Very nostalgic.
Although we couldn’t have the large gathering we had been hoping for, there were five of us in our group, neighbours who sat at a safe distance. We bought our own chairs, booze and glasses, listened to forties music and chatted away outside until around 10pm last night.
One of our group was of the age to remember being evacuated as a little boy and he was recalling his memories, whilst others recollected the stories we had heard from our parents.
And with the weather here in the UK having been so glorious, it all made for a very special day 💝
Thank You so much Lesley Ann, for your wonderful comments, apart from the silence, spent the day at home, instead the numerous events which we had organised. A couple of things that I forgot to mention that you will appreciate remember singing "Rollout the Barrel" on the way back from somewhere in the blackout.
Also my cousin drove for Churchill when he was at chequers as she was stationed at RAF Halton.
Love the South Downs, use to go on holiday to Worthing when we were young an elderly Aunt had a couple of houses there.
Stay safe,
Stuart
Lovely memories for you Stuart.
Yes “Roll out the barrel” - amazing isn’t it, how music and lyrics can transport us back to a different time 💛
Wow, your cousin drove for Winston Churchill; what an honour!
Yes, Worthing isn’t too far from us. We’re near Midhurst, just north of Chichester. In the beautiful South Downs yet not far from lovely Bosham, Itchenor, Dell Quay and surrounds. Blessed indeed.
Best wishes to you and yours Stuart. Hope you enjoyed VE 75 even if quieter than originally planned.
Lx
It amazes me with generations how each make an impact in our lives today. I never got to meet my grandparents they were passed before I was born and the day I was being born, my aunt was driving to the hospital and died from a drunk driver, and he lived.
I'm very thankful to the veterans in our community as I am a legion member.
I think we all should go back to shutdown on sundays to remember and prepare for the work week
Thank you all veterans without you fighting for our belief I could not image what that time period would have been like thank you veterans.
Stuart, the post is spot on. Thank you for sharing!
I have goosebumps and tears in my eyes reading your post! I have lost several colleagues on active duty during my time in the armed forces. They paid the highest price in order to protect peace and order and what they believed in. I still remember clearly my grandparents telling us kids about when the invading germans came and took their farm in April 1940.
I am still in active service in the Royal Norwegian Airforce and will be for several years to come, and feel privileged to have the opportunity on a daily basis to preserve the fragile "peace" we have in the world today, not forgetting the conflicts going on several places in the world
In my opinion, there is no need for any debate about posting your article or not. Second World War impacted the whole globe in one way or another, regardless of where you were living or which nationality you had. It was a global disaster. Regardless of being a civilian or in the armed forces, the sacrifices made to fight for peace must not be forgotten. Evil will not succeed.
kind regards,
Roy
Thank you Stuart and thank you as well for service to your country as well. I have often visited England both for simulator training (RNAS Culdrose) and navigation training with the Sea King.
Roy
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What a lovely tribute. Thank you, Stuart. My father and several uncles served during WWII. My brother served in Vietnam. I have known several young men and now women (In the U.S) that have served in the Persian Gulf wars. War is a terrible thing to have to live through not just for the soldier, but also for those family members back home who are worrying about their loved ones on the front lines. I thank you for your service, Stuart. Lest we never forget.
Take care
Charlotte
Bless you Charlotte.
Stuart