The debt we owe

[davedove]

I got it from the Billy Ray Cyrus country song, but I believe it is older than that.

Geoff Withnell

I was going to say the same thing. It is such a simple, yet meaningful phrase that I am sure it was used before.

[Stratherrick]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I feel humbled by the efforts made to bring us words and memories.

Slainte

Bruce

[Phil]

I would like to mention also our merchant seamen who endured similar risks without being able to fight back. My father managed to survive three sinkings, two by torpedo and one bombing on the Atlantic convoys, and went on to supply the Italy landings.

[kiltedwolfman]

I'm quite sure everyone knows it, but here it is anyway.

" In Flanders fields the poppies blow
between the crosses row on
That mark our place; and in the sky the larks
still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
loved and were loved and now we lie
in Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe
to you with failing hands we throw
the torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
in Flanders fields."

Lt-Col. John McCrae

There are far too few people in this world now that fathom the meaning of these words, and it is up to those of us who do the teach them, lest those hard lessons be forgotten.

[Geoff Withnell]

I would like to mention also our merchant seamen who endured similar risks without being able to fight back. My father managed to survive three sinkings, two by torpedo and one bombing on the Atlantic convoys, and went on to supply the Italy landings.

Amen to that. I also have enormous respect for folks like the Red Cross, and other humanitarians in the thick of it.

Geoff Withnell

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Here you may count the cost of your freedom.

[Ruanaidh]

[Jock Scot]

To make this thread all the more poignant, the sad news of the loss of five more British soldiers has just hit the news.

"Lest we forget"

[Stratherrick]

Jock

Sad news indeed. I fear many more British soldiers will die before we pull out.

Slainte

Bruce

[dfmacliam]

I agree Jock, and to read... they were killed by a policeman.. saddens me even more...