Today is fast approaching tomorrow. Yet today was Remembrance day and shall never be forgotten. That is not to say that the 11th of November 2013 was a particularly special Remembrance day, rather that Remembrance day is an occasion that is close to this country's heart.
Although almost all people know the significance of the day I found myself one of the few falling silent at 11 o'clock. I know that many students across campus and in their homes will have done the same but certainly not all and from where I was...not even most. In a busy atrium before my seminar I stood and remembered. Not only did I remember those that had fallen, those that had left us free and those that were loved; I - first and foremost - remembered that it was today.
I have seen a few articles regarding the Poppy and how it will be the last time they wear one; frustrated by our politicians who they feel use it as a symbol to justify Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Yet it is clear that something will still be done. Year on year. Remember.
I was disappointed in those around me. We may not have been the generation who lived it or the direct generation who experienced it but it is still apart of us, our families and our history. There are moments in time that I believe we should move on from but this is not one. A University of educated students forgot that today was Remembrance day. It even seemed like even the University had forgotten what the day was and what it meant; there was nothing. Only the every day.
This is a point brought to my attention though; why today? Why does it have to be on this day that we have to remember them? Shouldn't we remember them at all times?
Well; on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918, hostilities ended. This time embodies peace and what those who we remember are being remembered for. There will be people who, everyday, will think of those they lost or were affected by the war that involved the world but Remembrance day and Remembrance Sunday bring together our nation. One minute of peace amongst those that rush by; millions setting aside their differences for a minute.
Yes this is patriotic. I talk of our nation and hark back to days of old. Yet surely to love our country as we do includes those who allow us to say that it is our country? If we cannot remember those that allowed us that future why do we deserve it?
If you disagree with what the poppy stands for that's fine. What I do not think is fine is to be so ignorant to a event which is commemorated across the globe. Which involved the world. And which should not be forgotten for the world.
Remembrance day is the day of the fallen.
At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, of every year.
Remember.
Although almost all people know the significance of the day I found myself one of the few falling silent at 11 o'clock. I know that many students across campus and in their homes will have done the same but certainly not all and from where I was...not even most. In a busy atrium before my seminar I stood and remembered. Not only did I remember those that had fallen, those that had left us free and those that were loved; I - first and foremost - remembered that it was today.
I have seen a few articles regarding the Poppy and how it will be the last time they wear one; frustrated by our politicians who they feel use it as a symbol to justify Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Yet it is clear that something will still be done. Year on year. Remember.
I was disappointed in those around me. We may not have been the generation who lived it or the direct generation who experienced it but it is still apart of us, our families and our history. There are moments in time that I believe we should move on from but this is not one. A University of educated students forgot that today was Remembrance day. It even seemed like even the University had forgotten what the day was and what it meant; there was nothing. Only the every day.
This is a point brought to my attention though; why today? Why does it have to be on this day that we have to remember them? Shouldn't we remember them at all times?
Well; on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918, hostilities ended. This time embodies peace and what those who we remember are being remembered for. There will be people who, everyday, will think of those they lost or were affected by the war that involved the world but Remembrance day and Remembrance Sunday bring together our nation. One minute of peace amongst those that rush by; millions setting aside their differences for a minute.
Yes this is patriotic. I talk of our nation and hark back to days of old. Yet surely to love our country as we do includes those who allow us to say that it is our country? If we cannot remember those that allowed us that future why do we deserve it?
If you disagree with what the poppy stands for that's fine. What I do not think is fine is to be so ignorant to a event which is commemorated across the globe. Which involved the world. And which should not be forgotten for the world.
Remembrance day is the day of the fallen.
At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, of every year.
Remember.
