Is it as I get older that I become more appreciative of what our soldiers did for us? I used to refuse to wear a poppy as I was very opposed to the war, but now, I understand that it is a mark of respect for all those who died fighting in wars.
I feel I should have been in London for the service today. So many people were attending. I’m reading a book on the First World War at the moment called “The Beauty and The Sorrow” – all about various different perspectives on the war. It gives an amazing personal insight into the human side of the war. Because of the Centenary of the First World War coming up next year, there is a definite increase in profile and support. Additionally, I think the machete death of Drummer Lee Rigby in May this year and the number of servicemen and women we have around the world has increased awareness in general.
I listened to the service this morning and joined in the minute silence during a programme called “Corner of A Foreign Field” – it mentioned that the first soldier died on the 21st August 1914 (my father’s birthday) and the last on the 11th November 1918 (my birthday).
