Nathalie and myself have just got back from the annual Remembrance Day Parade which she took part in and I took the pictures shown here. The first picture shows the standard bearers from the various groups represented at the parade, these include the Army, Navy, Wrens, Royal British Legion, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Scouts and they march at the head of the Parade just behind the marching band. The Parade starts outside the Royal British Legion and walks down the High Street until it reaches Christchurch Priory where a wreath laying ceremony takes place before a service in the Priory itself.
This is Nathalie's Scout Group, she is the young girl furthest away from me - nice to see they are all marching in step.
These two were taken before and after the wreath laying ceremony. I didn't take part in the Remembrance Service this year I spent the time walking around the Priory Grounds. It was strange standing outside listening to the words of the vicar and the congregation singing Jerusalem among other hymns. With the choir singing, the bells ringing and watery sunshine filtering through the clouds it struck me how English the whole thing felt. This is not to undermine the events taking place throughout Europe and Asia on this day, I've been to war graves in France and Poland so I appreciate the poignancy of the day but nevertheless it did seem very English.
Given some of the comments posted by people on the 5Live messageboards regarding this weekends events it would be nice if one of those who oppose poppy wearing and its symbolism were to attend one of these parades, look one of the veterans in the eye and tell him or her to get over it - as somebody posted this week. There is something tremendously moving and dignifing about the old soldiers who turn up every year in ever decreasing numbers (from the 1939-45 campaign) and greater numbers (from more recent campaigns) that makes those who belittle the importance of remembrance seem intellectually and emotionally stunted.
One of the most moving parts of the morning, and I'm sorry if this seems trite and self-indulgent, was when we were waiting for the parade to move off and Nathalie asked if she had any relatives who had 'fought in the war'. When I told her she had one great grandfather who served in the First World War, one who served in the Second and an Uncle at Arnheim she seemed genuinely proud.
So am I Nats, so am I.
5 comments:
Paul, some very moving photographs and descriptions.
You must be very proud of your daughter for taking part and thinking of her relatives who fought in the Wars.
Thanks Paul, very moving and I agree with every word.
Thank you Curmy, Sarnia and Rupe. It was very emotional, there were a lot of people wiping away tears during the wreath laying ceremony and for Nathalie to be a part of it was an excellent practical history lesson.
My mother lost a step brother in the first world war and my parents huddled under the kitchen table with small children do avoid Luftwaffe bombing during the second.
I lad I know who was 18 in September began a tour of duty in southern Iraq a week ago.
Your photos and descriptions are really good.
We need to remember.
A wonderful entry...and I can imagine the route, I know Christchurch around the Priory, retail area and quayside so well.
Always visited Christchurch every year whenever in the area.
Well thought descriptive piece and photographs too.
I would be proud too...
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