Today we remembered armistice day. We hoped World War 2 and indeed all wars would be the last roar. However the world today has never been at peace.
Many of my friends are wearing red poppies and I understand. I was brought up to never wear a red POPPY. My dad told us Earl Haig was just trying to say sorry. I treasure talks with my dad. He was a hard working gentle man. I used to get up with him on a Saturday morning before he went to work. We talked about many things sometimes about the stories his dad had told him about the first world war. He would go to the press full of family member and show me postcards from Passchendale, the medals tin plate toys. He passed on most importantly Webster Family memories. The flame still shines on.
It was he who I first heard the phrase “Economic Conscripts” from. Young working class men from Dundee who followed the drum and were sent to the he’ll of the trenches but dreaming of a better world likeLike many from all over the UK.
My uncle saw service in World War 2. His regiment were among the first at Belsen. My father told me what he had told him and told me to read William Shawcross. Man’s inhumanity to man shook him. Most importantly though he saw the Generals and State as culpable.
On Sunday morning we shall remember. The veterans of World War 2 are fewer but still March. There numbers being replaced by those with visible and hidden disabilities of newer compacts. The wars to end all wars was not a reality.
Many of my friends are wearing red poppies but I will remember by wearing a white one. A POPPY not stained red whie and unblemished. A sign of the world I want. I will remember all those in conflict and pray for peace. A world where we can put the money spent on weapons to better use for the good of us all. Remembering you all todag and always dreaming of a peaceful world. With hope in my heart. Love to you all. Xx
SandraSSP 