A few words on Rememberance Day

[Ron]

Hi everyone

This is the one time of the year where I find myself deep in thought
and even the models are put away for a time. Looking at the many kits I've built and the amazing workmanship of all the others on this site, I find myself thinking of the men and women that fought and those that have died along side the real machines that we so carefully craft in paper. My prayers and gratitude are forever with them as I know that our lives would not be the same without their sacrifice. Thank you!

Ron

[Sticky Fingers]

Ron as much as we owe a debt to the men and women who scarficed so much and in some cases all we should also fix the blame on the politicians who have gotten the world into situations that caused these massive wars to break out in the first place. Whether it be the complicated interdependent alliances of the early 20th century or the burning desire of certain French and Belgian politicians to severly punish the Germans that led directly to the Second World War. Just my opinion.

Question are you back and is everything going better in your life. I hope that you and your wife find the happiness we all should have.

[Gil]

Gentlemen,

Just remember to tell them, "Did I tell you it's made of paper?"

In rememberance of those who did not return, Gil

[Maurice]

Remembrance Day is a solemn moment in several countries and is dedicated solely to recalling the memory of those who have died in the service of their country.
The occasion is never used by anyone for any other purpose.
Treating it as an opportunity for unrelated and irrelevant statements is not appropriate.

Maurice

[Gil]

Maurice,

I whole heartedly agree. Government ideology is one of words and documents. Just reminding everyone that those documents are made of paper is a statement to change one's perspective of the trajedy of War..., so it's relevant and related to the sad reason for the necessity of such a day.

Best regards, Gil

[Jim Krauzlis]

In my neck of the woods we call today Veteran's Day; I gather there are other names used for this or a similar day in other parts of our world that are meant to give solemn thought to the incredible sacrifices made by ordinary people in extraordinary times, whatever the circumstance that gave rise to their service. To those of you out there who are Veterans, I give you my heart felt and personal thanks for all that you have been through or are going through.

My point being, I personally try to recall on this day all those who have given their lives and those who survived but with their lives and those of their loved ones dramatically changed as a result. Naturally, my personal thoughts dwell upon those who I know or knew, some family, some very good friends, and others who are/were mere acquaintances but who touched my life by their deeds, but I also try to remember those countless others who over the course of history have endured and are enduring similar fates.

I try not to dwell upon the political or economic reasons they were placed in that circumstance, but to celebrate their personal resolve of these individuals, so many times forced upon them in the prime of their youth, and to give thanks for their many sacrifices. I do not on this day honor or debate the national or political aspects of those conflicts but I honor the individual human spirit of those brave souls.

I also try to remember and honor their loved ones who suffered just as much and have tried in their own way to carry on with their lives despite what has been thrust upon them. For me it is not just a matter of the immediate effect of war but the post war survival as well.

This is very personal to me, and to my family, but I do also honor the right of others to recall, remember and contemplate such things as they see fit. After all, I believe that is one of the rights these souls fought for.

Well, that's all I want to say about that...and I thank you for your indulgence to let me have my say. It may be presumptuous of me to share such personal thoughts, but I feel a certain degree of closeness to those on this forum, akin to a family, and I hope you will all permit me this one personal moment of reflection and expression and to allow me to share my thoughts.

Your friend,
Jim

[Darwin]

Jim, very well said.

[Fishcarver]

Ron, Maurice et al:
Well said, gentlemen!

"At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them"

And those who cherish free speech should remember also what Orwell wrote:
"We sleep soundly in our beds
forgetting that rough men stand ready to do violence
to those who would deny us that right of repose"

To all that have served: Thank You !!
To all that serve now: Thank you and Godspeed!!!
To those who will serve: Be grateful and learn.

Ullamh! (Ready!)

147 Roberts JE
Lt (Ret'd)
QOCH of C

[Ken Horne]

Hey gang,

One of my family traditions is to go to the wreath laying cerimonies each year on the 11 of Novemeber. It is a very sombre yet very special day in my life. In Canada at least this day is symbolised by the poppy, and as you walk around town you'll see so many people , dare I hope over half, with with a poppy pinned to their jacket.

The following is a poem that has beem memorized by Canadian school children for generations. National boundries are not an important part of its tone however.


In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-191
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.