The Cellar - Happy Veteran's Day

Yesterday I went to the War Memorial Gardens for the two minutes silence.
It's become a slightly odd thing here now - we have Remembrance Sunday, as we have had for years, but people also observe on the exact day (11/11 in both British and American, at 11.00) when the guns stopped.

I'm not saying it's wrong. I suppose the formal ceremony, which is held on the closest Sunday beforehand, is the chance that most people get to observe. It involves a lot of ceremony, involving the Royal Family, high ranking serving personnel and politicians. And the smaller ceremonies in cities, towns and villages can include local troops, school children, Scout troops etc.

But for those of us who set their own timetable, there is a satisfaction at being able to do something on the actual day.
I can spend days without speaking to anyone, so it probably isn't significant for me. But to see the signs in public places, that shops and businesses would be observing the silence were very moving. So I made the effort to get out of the library, and found a brief, but moving ceremony. A couple of prayers. A reading of Laurence Binyon's poem and a bugler.

I cried.
Okay, I cry at a hopping bird these days. But this time it was considered and in memory.
I lost no-one I knew in War. And not even in terrorism. I'm lucky.
But for those who did, who have, and who are still out their risking themselves - you have my love.
I bought a lovely sparkly poppy brooch. And one for Mum. We'll wear them every year. But of course we'll both still donate to the British Legion.

[The Legion sell paper poppies every year as a fundraising effort - you buy them for whatever you can afford. Wearing a brooch shows respect for the cause, but doesn't give them any funds.]