Today is the date when the Armistice, a cessation from hostilities, was signed at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 ushering in the silence of the guns and marking the end of World War I.
Remembrance Day was celebrated this past Sunday and the Queen laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London and observed a two minute silence to commemorate all those who fell during the two world wars and later conflicts.
Today, at the first stroke of 11 o’clock people across England and parts of the world will pause;
Even the traffic on some streets will grind to a halt for two minutes.
The quietness is powerful and respectful.
Poppies are sold by the Royal British Legion in the streets and shops for several weeks before Remembrance Day. The money they raise goes to the veterans of war.
Hubs made ours this year to wear at church.
This week on the streets of Britain, everyone will have one pinned to a lapel.
John McCrae wrote his famous poem, “In Flanders Fields,” after he saw the brilliant, red, wildflowers blooming amid the turned up soil of a battlefield.
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.
Some of the older generation today will be dressed reverently in their black.
Flower arrangements, mimicking widely worn lapel pins, will stand proudly on pedestals at the church altar.
In the streets oversized poppies will hang in tree branches in the towns.
The sight is unique and heartfelt.
Lest we forget.
Well hello there! My name is Vivienne McNeny.
I am an empty nester exploring life as a Boomer…you could say I'm happily Boomering along!
As a homeschooling Mum I have finally quit the job of role model and mentor to my four children. I do what I want to do, eat when I feel like it, enjoy life with my blue eyed cowboy and clean my house once a month or so whether it needs it or not!
In true English form I write about the emergence of my true identity now that I can no longer hide behind my children as their Mum.
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