Remembrance Sunday

Today being Remembrance Sunday I spent time reflecting on those killed in past wars and those who are still being killed in present wars - and I had a deep sadness in my heart.

But this evening I started to watch "Saving Private Ryan" and I felt physically and emotionally drained at the start of the film. This is so graphic and it made me think of all those who lost their lives so brutally; I think the graphic nature of this made me realise what soldiers have to endure. How is it that one man can do this to a fellow man?

So for what it is worth, my admiration and prayers go out to those serving and I pray that they return safely to their families and live happy fulfilling lives, not blighted by memories that they will carry with them.

For the Fallen

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,

England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal

Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.

There is a music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncountered:

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;

They sit no more at familiar tables at home;

They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;

They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,

Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,

To the innermost heart of their own land they are known

As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,

Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;

As the stars are starry in the time of our darkness,

To the end, to the end they remain.

Laurence Binyon