Sunday 10 November 2013

Lest we forget...


poppies, wreaths, remembrance day

Today we attended our local remembrance service and took time to think of those who served their country and those who have lost their lives.

Standing with the poppy wreaths at the cenotaph - remembrance day service


Instead of sharing my own words I wanted to share some that I always have in mind on remembrance day, this poem always makes me think of my dear departed Grandad...


The Final Inspection


The soldier stood and faced God, 
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't,
I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on
Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.

Anon
 
The light shining down on the cenotaph

 Lest we forget...

7 comments:

  1. Beautiful post x

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  2. Beautiful. Such an important day to remember those brave people x

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  3. disqus_dIRjNoslspMonday, November 11, 2013

    Lovely poem Jennifer. I feel it is massively important to teach our little ones why we remember those who fought in battle.

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  4. my buggy junctionMonday, November 11, 2013

    what a lovely poem! x

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  5. Beautiful. I've never read that before x

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  6. Lovely, we were in London on Sunday and visited the Cenotaph - very moving to see all the wreaths. I think it's incredibly important to not foget and my son will grow up knowing he has relations to be extremely proud of and grateful to.

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