Remembrance Day

11th November
 

On Remembrance Day we remember those who died in war.

This day of commemoration was originally created as "Armistice Day" to mark the end of hostilities of the Great War at the time of the signing of the armistice on 11 November 1918, which occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (in that era the Great War became known as "The War to end all Wars", but is now known as World War One).

At 11am on the 11 of November of every year, Remembrance services are held at war memorials in suburbs and towns across the country, at which a one minute silence is observed, and - where possible - the Last Post is played by a bugler.

This Day is commemorated in many nations, as "Armistice Day" (France, New Zealand, and many countries in the British Commonwealth), "Poppy Day" (Malta and South Africa), "Remembrance Day" (Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom), and "Veterans Day" (the United States of America).

The Flanders poppy flower has long been a part of the symbology of Remembrance Day. During the World War One, the red poppies were among the first plants that regrew on the battlefields of Belgium and France after the earth-shattering devastation of the military machines and their massive artillery bombardments. Many of the ground troops believed that the poppies were vivid red from having been nurtured in ground soaked with the blood of their fellow soldiers.

At 11am on the 11th of November we pause to remember the sacrifice of those men and women who suffered or died in wars, serving on our behalf.



The Final Inspection

The Soldier stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The Soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, my Lord, I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a dollar,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

[Author Unknown]


If you would care to offer a token of appreciation for the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the military forces of our country, especially in recognition of those who suffered during their service for us and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, please consider donating some money to take care of their widows and families.


It's the Soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the politician, who has ensured our right to Life, Freedom, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

If you can read this, then thank a Primary School teacher.
If you are reading this in English, then thank those who fought and died for us.