11/11

[f4f3]

So as usual at work I wandered outside on my own at around 10.58 this morning. I don't really know why I do that. For some reason the two minute silence is something I like to do on my own. Possibly because it's a meditative thing for me. Possibly because I'm not sire what I'd be sharing with anyone else. For me Armistice Day is a time to reflect on all the victims of war - combatants, civilians, politicians who've had to make decisions that would weigh on anyone (we elect them to make those choices, then revile them for doing it).

I'm not sure if there is a national mood for today. Not sure if it needs redefining, now that the last service veterans of that war have gone.
My own feelings are complicated, and probably best summed up as an image - as a white and red poppy intertwined. I hate the fact that we are fighting wars, respect the sacrifice of those who fight them for us.

I saw Steve Earle talking about it a few years ago, and stressing that you must be sensitive to the loved ones of those on active duty, as well as the servicefolk themselves, and that, to him, there was no greater way of showing your respect for those young men and women than working as hard as you could to bring them home.

(IF YOU LOVE YOUR UNCLE SAM) BRING THEM HOME

If you love this land of the free
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring them back from overseas
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

It will make the politicians sad, I know
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
They wanna tangle with their foe
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

They wanna test their grand theories
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
With the blood of you and me
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

Now we'll give no more brave young lives
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
For the gleam in someone's eyes
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

(Hooo-hooo hooo-hooo)
(Hooo-hooo hooo-hooo)

The men will cheer and the boys will shout
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Yeah and we will all turn out
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

The church bells will ring with joy
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
To welcome our darlin' girls and boys
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

We willl lift their voice and sound
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Yeah, when Johnny comes marching home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home
Bring 'em home, bring 'em home

Words and Music by Pete Seeger
© 1966 Storm King Music, Inc.

Comments

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

Too many things to say, not enough faith left in humanity to waste the energy.

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

You can't have too much faith in humanity. We're the only game in town...

[wiltinwickwitch.livejournal.com]

I'm with you so muchy on this.
When I was a practising Quaker, we were in the habit of wearing white poppies, but part of me thinks that does not sound right to the generation who lost so much, including loved ones.
Last Sunday I was at work, and many of my residents come into this category. I wore my red poppy, and watched a little of the parade with a favourite old guy. At the end of my shift I gave my poppy to a lady who didn't have one.
love and blessed be
xxx