This year is the 19th remembrance day I have attended, firstly as a serviceman then veteran. An observation several of us had is how attendance numbers have risen but also an increase in support from the wider community. As a 18yr old (2000), it was attended predominately by WW2 veterans, recent ex-servicemen and families of those serving. Today, we saw people of all ages and backgrounds. My teenage son (14) told me that his friends were going to Kettering to watch the parade, he stated that they wanted to pay respects. He went on to say some said they remember the coffins coming off the planes at RAF Brize Norton as youngsters, one said how much they made him laugh when he spent a day at the 2012 games in London and they remember how cool it was watching a chinook hover over the Dam at Whaley bridge this summer. Given all that is said about how split we are as a country and the snowflake generation, it is heartening that on this, solemn day, the next generation have decency to show support for us. Thank you to all of you, how much love and support you have given us over the years..... For those reading this overseas, I have had the honour of working with airforce colleagues from around the world and they are all great people. Right enough of that.... we are not emotional Americans
Proud Dad moment today as my son laid the wreath for his Air cadets squadron in the remembrance parade... good to see plenty of youths brought along in the crowds.
Monday is veterans day in the USA, few can comprehend the sacrifice anymore, or even respect their entitlement today.
The nature of warfare changes little. Its character, however, has followed changes in technology. WWI was very much ‘of its time’ when industry could equip and support mass conscript armies and defensive firepower was greater than available mobility and protection.
along with other members of SERV S&SL joined staff and patients at St Thomas' Hospital's Remembrance Day Service The Statue is of Mary Seacole details here
