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From: "Joan Reichardt" <>
Subject: Re: [WarBrides] Re: Re: Remembrance Day musings
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 13:20:09 -0800
References: <20041111131329.WNQB2099.tomts9-srv.bellnexxia.net@mxmta.bellnexxia.net>


Remembrance Day - or Armistice Day - always brings back a flood of memories.
I grew up vary aware of the First World War, Uncle Fred (who had been a
chorister at Canterbury Cathedral) had his name on the War Memorial, Uncle
Bill had lost his arm and been shell shocked, he stammered badly for the
rest of his life, family friend, George O'Keefe, who lost his leg with the
Irish Guards at age 17 - and who fascinated me when he removed his leg to go
swimming in the sea with me. These were all part of my growing up. The
story my aunt told of putting lots of salt and pepper on the bread and
margarine and pretending they were eating egg sandwiches, the Zeppelines
coming over and much more. But for us in Richmond we had a daily reminder
as we were the home of the Poppy Factory, where all the poppies were made,
and the Poppy Flats, where the men (all disabled) lived, and worked year
around to make them. I could not wait to be old enough to stand on a corner
and sell Poppies, I saw that as such a wonderful thing to do. I remember
the hymns we sang - especially Oh Valiant Hearts and standing in the town
for the 2 minute silence.
Last year, for the first time since 1945, I was able to buy my poppy in
Richmond, when I came home I put it on my husband's grave, and it is there
again this year.
But today, as I watch those stooped old men, those that are left, I remember
the fresh faced, cheerful boys, full of life and energy - and hellery too,
who started arriving in England before the end of 1939 and kept coming till
the end and my eyes fill with tears.
----- Original Message -----
From: <>
To: <>
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 5:13 AM
Subject: [WarBrides] Re: Re: Remembrance Day musings


> Remembrance Day - the very words conjure up up all kinds of memories don't
they? Bittersweet ? Yes, but wonderful too ! As the son of a war
bride there are lots of things that will go through my mind to-day.
Memories of my father and how proud he was to parade on this day in his best
(only ?) suit with his service medals and stand at attention for so long at
the cenotaph. Our high school was named "Heroes Memorial" and the annual
services always took place on the front lawn. My mother being a member of
the ladies auxilliary would then go over to the Legion for the rest of the
day to help prpeare the banquet for the evening meal. I would go over
after school and help set the tables and thereby earn my self a free supper
and be able to watch the entertainment and go home before the dance started.
Most of them are all gone now but not my memories. Stay true to those who
gave so much and never forget the blessings you have due to their
sacrifices. May your!
> day be a delightful one and may God bless you and yours.
>
>
>
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