Today is the first time I've really thought about all the services held at this time of year, and it's the first time I've ever bought a poppy.
I have always considered myself a pacifist. And I have never involved myself in Remembrance Sunday because I have never been able to reconcile my own personal feelings about war and violent conflict with the idea of celebrating the fact that men and women have died for mine and other's freedom.
But this year, earlier this week, it clicked for me. It was a simple poster I saw of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, and the words were along the lines of 'Remember those who lost their lives in conflict'. It didn't mention any specific war, battle, or period of time, or whether it were referring to soldiers or civilians, or to guerrilla action, terrorism, oppressive dictators.....
Anyway, as I've done no painting today, only spent time with my immediate family, I thought I should still post something, and this is what has been at the back of my mind today.
Lest we forget.
2 comments:
As an ex-serviceman (12 years in the Royal Navy) I've always used Remembrance Sunday doing just that - remembering - those who died fighting for their country, those who died as a result of such conflicts - those injured, both mentally and physically, by conflict - the families of all the above. But I've never bought a poppy. There is something inside me that finds it obscene that a country should ask men and women to put their lives on the line and yet refuses to fully help those injured by, or the families of those left behind, as a result of such action, a country that leaves it to the charity of others. These people suffer because of our governments decisions and it is the responsibility of the country as a whole, through the government that called for their sacrifice, to aid the results of that call. Sorry for the rant, but it is something very close to my heart.
I get what you're saying. With respect to funding the support needed by ex-servicemen and their families, I agree it should be the responsibility of the country.
There's two issues here - my recognising Remembrance Sunday, and the buying of a poppy. I think I'll continue to do the first, never do the second again, and also write to my MP about the reasons for that decision.
Thanks for your reply. And it wasn't a rant, you always talk like that.
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