To be conflicted about Remembrance Services?

[PaddlingSwan]

I have friends and family on both sides.

Exactly this !
I remember my family members who died and i always spare a thought to the other families across the world who lost loved ones too.
The posters on here who are saying the uk makes a big thing of it FGS it's one day ! don't watch tv ,don't buy a poppy ,don't engage ,but i bet you would be glad to have the British armed forces on your side if we ever get into further world wars.
Actually i feel a bit offended , one of my family was 17 years old when he was killed , he has no grave, i want the uk to make a big thing out of it ,his loss was huge in my family and i don't want him to be forgotten .

That’s an interesting one, because a lot of the censure of those choosing not to wear a poppy seems to be predicated on stemming from leftist ideology.

The left and right seem to have forgotten what they are or actually stand for, and the distinction between the two is far murkier than it once was (even allowing for the horseshoe effect).

You’re right that the commemorations are a timely reminder of what ‘fascism’ and the far right actually mean. But these days those terms are such convenient put-downs that I suspect the lesson will go unheeded, irrespective of how many poppies are worn.

Your post sums it up entirely , there is absolutely no need for analysis or beliefs, Remembrance Sunday and 11th of November are just that - to remember.

This is powerful and sad. There are young men and even boys facing the instruction to fight when I’m sure it’s not wanted. So sad.

I heard a news piece this morning about some soldiers who chose to stop on both sides (on a Japanese island I think), of course it’s not possible for those commanded in many ways but it was a glimpse of something else.

I find the whole cannon fodder thing unbearable and I still feel sad when thinking of those who were sent in the world wars.

Did my two minutes. We are so fortunate to live in these times, and for all the privileges we have.

King Charles looked weepy. Maybe he was thinking of his mum?

Or his dad who was in the navy during the war.

Ofc

We've seen people in this very thread told they should leave the country for suggesting that we go over the top with things like remembrance celebrations for one.

We saw one poster suggest that one other poster the goady OP, leave if they don't like it. There has been plenty of good and nuanced discussion.

You write you had a relative who died directly because of the assassination attempt on Hitler, film is called Valkyrie by the way. I think that’s very much worth remembering. I had relatives who died in WW2 and whilst DH relatives survived it was life changing for them.

I don’t need reminding to remember victims of war both military and civilian. I’m personally starting to find it all a bit much. My grandfather and great uncles fought in the First World War, my grandfather was decorated (Military Medal, the highest gallantry award available to non officers at the time). My father fought in the second. He would say that he didn’t fight for me to be told what to do and how to think. I will remember in my own way today.

So are ours.

My whole town came to a stand still. Roads in and out closed for their parade personally I think that’s a bit much.

Why?

@Namelessnellyyou don’t think it’s a bit much to close all the main roads so no public transport can be used due to a bunch of adults choosing to march down and then back up the road again?

I think most people do understand the causes. But I also think it's too much. I am sure it didn't used to be the case that there was a 2 minute silence on 11th AND on the nearest Sunday.

Having said that, given the likes of Trump and Farage, maybe we need to keep banging home the message that war isn't good and leads to millions of deaths.

Serafinas you do what you want to do, but I wear a poppy as a sign of respect. I stand for the two minute silence.
My Father was a Royal Marine, and
I like to show him and others who fought respect. I donate to a service charity, my choice, and remember, these people fought so you have a choice.

See also carnivals, Christmas markets, running races, normal markets, street parties. Which are much less "worthy".

@dynamiccactuswell my town doesn’t have anything like that apart from a gala day and I feel exactly the same when roads are closed then and I can’t get out of my street.

Don’t you do that at any other time? Shame on you.

I don’t think there’s a simplified way of saying ‘making a difference’.

Not being funny but my town close the roads to parade Santa followed by decorated shopping trolleys every year…. I think it’s fine for remembrance Sunday

sure but why are you conflicted?

Fucking hell op. Best you don't get involved seeing as you have absolutely no clue about it.
Remembrance day stems from the end of the first world war and is in no way a celebration of war.
It's to commemorate all those who died or suffered and continue to suffer due to all conflicts. Not just British soldiers but soldiers from other countries.

@JH0404good for you 🤷‍♀️? I think it has been turn in to much of a thing in this country. I’m entitled to my opinion. Which I am fully aware i am allowed to do due to the the efforts in the first and Second World War but it is too much.

England wasn’t the only country at war with Germany 🙄

My own Scottish city was very frequently bombed.