Regular readers of my blog will know that at this time of year....July 1st....we travel to the Somme.
At memorials around the Somme services of remembrance are held and many attend.
On July 1st our day starts very early.....Our destination....Lochnagar crater....after a lot of preparation in the lead up to the service we arrive to hand out programmes and welcome visitors.
Whistles in hand, piper at the ready, sound system ready to go, Ken waits at the far side of the crater hidden by bushes with his maroon waiting for the all important 7:28.....the time the boys went over the top and thousands lost their lives.
Richard the owner opens the service of remembrance. John the vicar followed with a very passionate and powerful sermon. Wreaths are laid the men are remembered in prayer, song and poem. The Lords prayer brings a special togetherness, it is spoken by everyone...a mixture of German, French and English.
The cadets are present the standards have been raised many ex service men wear their medals [some in uniform] with pride as well as other medals to respect the memory of great grandfathers, grandfathers, fathers, brothers and uncle's.
The poppy leaves are handed out and as Richard annually reminds everyone "where every poppy petal lands a soldier fell."
As a final act of togetherness everyone surrounds the crater, we hold hands and raise our arms. [The crater is a 6Th of a mile in circumference].
My grandfather fought on The Somme I Remembered him along with the thousands who fought beside him.
Thought for today:-
"Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion."
George.W.Hegel.Philosopher.
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