Remebrance Sunday

[PiobBear]

Dressing out to go pipe a memorial this morning, more than any other day as I put on my kilt I'm acutely aware of all those who've gone before. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

The Piper's Lament

Did you hear the light feet marching, marching down the birch-clad glen?
Did you see the piper's streamers floating, floating far behind the men?
Did you hear the brave tunes ringing as they swung the drones on high?
Did you watch the rhythm of the kilt? Did you hear the war march die?
Oh piper lads, Oh piper lads what magic woven spell the magician
Breathed within your reeds, is not for mortal voice to tell.
The wizard winds through reed and drone the soul draws on to follow after
To splendid heights of hero fame or spell bound, led to grim disaster.

[Jock Scot]

I was wet,cold, I shed a tear or two, but hell,I was proud to be there, on parade with all those brave men and women who have served and still are serving our country, and remembered. Yes, our allies as well and perhaps, as I am getting older and a wee tad more forgiving, our enemy's dead too.

[Kilted Rogue]

I Just did a reenactment called History Of the Soldier its done every year just before the 11th in remembrance to those soldiers from as far back as the Rev. war too the current conflict in the Mid East. 15 of us payed homage to soldiers gone but not forgotten. It ended with a Salute to old Glory, and Taps for those that have gone before us.

[macwilkin]

I Just did a reenactment called History Of the Soldier its done every year just before the 11th in remembrance to those soldiers from as far back as the Rev. war too the current conflict in the Mid East. 15 of us payed homage to soldiers gone but not forgotten. It ended with a Salute to old Glory, and Taps for those that have gone before us.

The Sons of Union Veterans camp I belong to presents a similar program, "The Parade of the American Soldier". We march in local parades, participate in Veterans and Memorial Day services, give presentations to local schools and civic groups, etc. In case anyone is wondering, I am the Spanish-American/Philippine War soldier (1898-1902).

On Sunday we participated in a ceremony at a small cemetery north of Nevada, Missouri -- Nevada is about 100 miles south of Kansas City -- a former US Navy captain had erected a memorial to all the servicemen and women buried in the cemetery, and had also restored a memorial plot for the local Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) camp. Our group provided the honour guard and fired a volley over the GAR graves. The ceremony was well-attended, and it was a very fitting way to honour our nation's veterans.

Regards, Todd

[Jock Scot]

An event at our remembrance day that my wife has just told me about that you chaps may be interested in. Whilst we were all(about 20 of us) lined up to do our wee march to the war memorial, two gentlemen, strangers, joined our ranks and away we went. I thought no more about it until this morning, when my wife was talking about them. Apparently, these two chaps and their wives were from the USA visiting Scotland and being ex military wanted to be at the service to pay their respects, my wife, a spectator, who was talking to them, asked the men if they would like to join us in the parade. Which they did. So, Hank and Maurice from the USA, I am proud to have marched with you.

[davedove]

and perhaps, as I am getting older and a wee tad more forgiving, our enemy's dead too.

That is a good point Jock. For the most part, they were also just everyday people doing what their country asked of them.

[macwilkin]

That is a good point Jock. For the most part, they were also just everyday people doing what their country asked of them.

Christmas in the Trenches
by John McCutcheon

My name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool.
Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school.
To Belgium and to Flanders, to Germany to here
I fought for King and country I love dear.
'Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung,
The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung
Our families back in England were toasting us that day
Their brave and glorious lads so far away.

I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground
When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound
Says I, "Now listen up, me boys!" each soldier strained to hear
As one young German voice sang out so clear.
"He's singing bloody well, you know!" my partner says to me
Soon, one by one, each German voice joined in harmony
The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more
As Christmas brought us respite from the war
As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" struck up some lads from Kent
The next they sang was "Stille Nacht." "Tis 'Silent Night'," says I
And in two tongues one song filled up that sky
"There's someone coming toward us!" the front line sentry cried
All sights were fixed on one long figure trudging from their side
His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shown on that plain so bright
As he, bravely, strode unarmed into the night
Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man's Land
With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand
We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well
And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave 'em hell
We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home
These sons and fathers far away from families of their own
Young Sanders played his squeezebox and they had a violin
This curious and unlikely band of men

Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more
With sad farewells we each prepared to settle back to war
But the question haunted every heart that lived that wonderous night
"Whose family have I fixed within my sights?"
'Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost, so bitter hung
The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung
For the walls they'd kept between us to exact the work of war
Had been crumbled and were gone forevermore

My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell
Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we're the same

© 1984 John McCutcheon - All rights reserved

-- from http://www.worldwar1.com/sfcitt.htm

[Nervous Jock]

That is a good point Jock. For the most part, they were also just everyday people doing what their country asked of them.

for those who have ever been to Germany going round and regular cemetery can be very moving.