General Chat

Please add your thoughts and prayers for Remembrance Day

Bev xx

"Please wear a poppy," the lady said
And held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,
And her face was old and lined with care;
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street,
Bouncing along on care-free feet.
His smile was full of joy and fun,
"Lady," said he, "may I have one?"
When she's pinned in on he turned to say,
"Why do we wear a poppy today?"

The lady smiled in her wistful way
And answered, "This is Remembrance Day,
And the poppy there is the symbol for
The gallant men who died in war.
And because they did, you and I are free -
That's why we wear a poppy, you see.

"I had a boy about your size,
With golden hair and big blue eyes.
He loved to play and jump and shout,
Free as a bird he would race about.
As the years went by he learned and grew
and became a man - as you will, too.

"He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile,
But he'd seemed with us such a little while
When war broke out and he went away.
I still remember his face that day
When he smiled at me and said, Goodbye,
I'll be back soon, Mom, so please don't cry.

"But the war went on and he had to stay,
And all I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight,
(I can see it still in my dreams at night),
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

"Till at last, at last, the war was won -
And that's why we wear a poppy son."
The small boy turned as if to go,
Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight,
But your son - did he come back all right?"

A tear rolled down each faded check;
She shook her head, but didn't speak.
I slunk away in a sort of shame,
And if you were me you'd have done the same;
For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed,
Thought our freedom was bought - and thousands paid!

And so when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne,
By those who gave their very all
When asked to answer their country's call
That we at home in peace might live.
Then wear a poppy! Remember - and give!

Bev xx

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.

thats beautiful bev,

brings a tear to my eye

i always wear a poppy with pride,
and speak out for our lads when they are slated,
we should be proud
and think of them fondly with pride

Thankyou Bev,
To all of the service people, we commend and honour you, I will watch my husband lay the wreath with pride on Sunday,

Caz xxx

what a lovely poem Bev.

We will remember them all! From the two world wars and every war/battle whatever they call it now, since, we will remember our military men and women, heroes all.

Ann
glos

Ahd for those,always forgotten men who gave their lives for our freedom and safety in all the conflicts that preceded World War 1.

Not forgetting the horses,mules,dogs and pigeons who had no choice but to give up theirs.

Unashamedly nudged

Let the trumpet sound for the last roll call,
In this field of poppies for them all,
Silent now ? from strife and war
No battle cry ? on earth to fall.
Only peace and song of birds,
A stillness, on this cross clad land.
No sign of man ? or sound of voice.
Be still ? ye kin,
Grieve not ? Rejoice.
The call was answered,
We had no choice.
Fill your hearts with love, shed no tears,
Count not our lives in passing years,
For in this crimson poppyland,
Where the nameless crosses stand,
Tis God that takes us by the hand.

By an unknown prisoner, written on the wall of his solitary cell. The poem was taken from the book, Prisoner of War: My Secret Journal, by Squadron Leader B. Arct.

You know there is a saying

That sunshine follows rain,

And sure enough you'll realise

That joy will follow pain;

Let courage be your password

Make fortitude your guide,

And then instead of grousing

Remember those who died.


Bev xx

Lovely words, must get my poppy tomorrow.

Lizxx

Bev - thanks for those beautiful words.
We must never forget.

Steph xxx

It's time for this to come back once more. Frederick.