Remembrance Day-do we still remember?

Question

My father fought in the second World war and in my family we always observe the silence, yet these days it seems that noone bothers. Even in the schools they no longer stop lessons to take the two minutes out to remember. This infuriates and upsets me. At work it is hardly ever mentioned. I am so glad that this year the 11th falls on a Sunday, so I will be able to observe my silence along with those who attend the service at Whitehall. Am I alone, old fashioned and grumpy?? Is there anyone out there who believes that we SHOULD 'remember them', as the poem says???? It can't be my age, as even my 15 year old finds it unacceptable. What does everyone think?

Wow! How heartening thank you so much everybody;it's great to know there are still people who realise the sacrifices made. Many thanks for the poems and excerpts from poems. 'In Flanders Field' is so poignant

Answer 1

Many fine young men died without enjoying much of their lives
in order that Britain was not dominated by many agressors. I
know this means very little these days to a generation or two who were not born or were certainly not informed of the recent history during their time at school.
Just however reflect on the young men who died of exhaustion or were shot by the Japanese on the infamous Death Railway in Thailand or in the prison camps all over the Far East.

' For Us, They Gave'

Answer 2

I think it should be a day we remember for all those brave service personnel who fought for our country in the wars, but not only for them years ago. Its for those that recently have still been fighting and lost their lives . I think everyone should buy a poppy and observe the silence, its the least we can do. Being an army family we always attend the remembrance day march and service where ever we are posted.

Answer 3

You're not alone, old fashioned or grumpy. I always observe the two minutes silence on Remembrance Day, so do all my family; our local school does, in fact, stop for that purpose but clearly that isn't always the case - must be some "progressive" head teachers leaned on by the LEA to stick scrupulously to the schedule and only the schedule of "approved" events.

Answer 4

I always observe the 2 minute silence and wear a poppy. I also attend the Remembrance Sunday service when I can. To not do so is to me an alien concept.

Answer 5

It's observed in my children's school, they sell poppies there as well.
My Dad was a soldier for 22 years, he fought in the Falklands & the Gulf. He was on the Atlantic Conveyor during the Falklands which was sunk by exocet missiles. Fortunatly my dad survived but 12 men were killed. I observe the silence not just to remember the dead (of all wars) but to be thankful for those who came back & be grateful that I still have my Dad.
I do understand that it's hard for people who've never been directly affected by war to think it matters but it does. It's not about glorifying war, it's not about politics, it's about remembering & respecting the sacrifice of others.

Answer 6

I agree!

The recent campaign has been trying to press home the fact that the poppy fund benefit veterans of modern conflicts and not just about remembering the Great War.

Rest assured that I will honour the minutes silence for your fathers fallen comrades, and the sacrifices they made to end suffering and totalitarianism in Europe.

Answer 7

It's not just about WW2 it's about soldiers in iraq and afghanistan too. We can't forget them. The treatment that wounded solidier receive from the government after fighting in these countries is appalling, we can not forget that. Young men and womens lives have been ruined because the government signed up to some pointless war that wasn't even our business. It's our duty to remember these people.

Answer 8

Here in France it is a national holiday, it is remembered and great store is placed on it. In the local village is the grave of just one British soldier who died in 1944, the local village people will, at the appointed hour, lay a wreath on the grave as well as on the village memorial to their dead. I shall be there as an ex serviceman with pride. C'est guerre, ils se seront souvenus.

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.

Lawrence Binyon.

Answer 9

It's something we should always remember and we need to explain to our children the reasons why it's important.

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

Answer 10

I think it is important to remember what they fought for. We are free today because of the sacrifices they made. I get chills down my spine when I hear the Last Post played on the bugle.

It is impossible to understand what they went through, but it is possible to remember what they did.