Remembrance Day

Hello Everybody
Having been born just before the War in 1938 Remembrance Day has always been a truly main event in the calendar. Both civilian, ex and present servicemen appreciate the ultimate sacrifice the men and women did in the service of their country in both World Wars. We cannot forget the many conflicts around the world we have been involved in. Also, not to forget the sacrifice the people of our great country who died in the blitz during World War Two?
I watched the parade in Whitehall on the television and every year it brings a tear to my eye. The ex-servicemen still march in step after all those years. The eyes left at the cenotaph was done in unison. I am not alone in saying how proud they all were in paying their respects to their fallen comrades, for some it will be the last time. You all did your country proud both then and now.
I have only been on one Remembrance Day parade. It was on the 11thNovember 1960 while serving in the Cameroons. We formed up that Sunday with the two Companies who were serving at Bamenda. We had about forty ex King’s African rifles who had served in various fields of battle during World War Two including Burma. We marched along the red dusty tack until we came to a large clearing where the service was held. What I can never forget was a bugler from our regiment The King’s Own Royal Border appearing on a cliff edge overlooking the clearing .The bugler played the last post to perfection, with the sound echoing down the valley. A truly memorable day I will never forget.
What I am disillusioned with, is the attitude of an Irish born Sunderland footballer who chose not to wear a poppy on his shirt. It wasn’t a lot to ask for, this to me was total disrespect for the many Irishmen from both sides of the border, who lost their lives during both world Wars. Not forgetting the Sunderland citizens who died in the bombing of Sunderland. He should be taken to the Sunderland cenotaph and shown the names of the men who died so that he can live in a free country and play football. I do not know what the people of Sunderland think of it all, but I have got a good Idea!
Long may Remembrance Day be observed for the brave men and women who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of our country?
Alan