To be conflicted about Remembrance Services?

[PaddlingSwan]

I have friends and family on both sides.

Totally agree

Its to remember all our fallen

I find it so sad that posters on here feel it’s appropriate to sneer at those of us who give our respect for victims of war, which ever side and I include the innocent victims too.
I do pause to think about those affected in any way by war, not only WW1 and WW2. I was fortunate enough not to lose any family members during the WW2 but I had a wonderful great uncle who was an ARP in London and who witnessed the most appalling sights during the Blitz. He rarely spoke of his experiences but they shaped his life and haunted him for years.
Two minutes of silence is nothing when you think of those who gave their lives.

I’m sorry, my apologies - I was using your quote on not seeing uniforms rather than criticising your post and should have made that clearer.
Perhaps some think they sit in barracks waiting for their street to flood - they’d be relevant then!

All good. 👍

Gosh it’s just Remembrance Sunday and 11th (if not falling on a Sunday) - and evennthen just a couple of hours on each day. Not a biggy in the whole year to get so wound up about, surely?

My dd walked in the remembrance parade in our town. Her understanding is that it is to remember and honour those that served in wars and those that died. She felt it was something she wanted to take part in. In our area there is a church service beforehand. We are muslim so didn't attend that but met with the people that were walking and she walked alongside them whilst I got soaked in the rain till someone kindly shared their umbrella.

It was actually quite a nice event,sombre but in a way hopeful. It didn't glorify war in any way. I think a lot more could be done to show our appreciation for those that serve,especially for ex personnel.

My comment was not serious but thanks for that obscure history lesson, I never knew other countries were involved in WWI/II

YANBU. A million Brits were killed in the 2 wars via combat or aerial bombing campaigns. I think we’ve been remarkably forgiving compared with the ‘forgiveness’ we receive (ie for colonialism). Remembrance is 1 day a year and is important.

Yes that is exactly what I mean. I’m not criticising the poem. I’m agreeing with it in its criticism of “the old lie: dulce et decorum est pro patria morir”

There is a heartbreaking romanticism to all ceremonies of rememberance. As some posters have pointed out these occasions are to honour and remember all who have died or suffered in or because of any war or conflict. Including those who refused to fight because it was against their religious beliefs or conscience. Many served as stretcher bearers, ambulance drivers and medical auxilliaries in war. They were also under fire. Others went to prison for their beliefs. Families who lost loved ones or had to care for them when they returned also suffered. This is why some people wear the white poppy.