THEIR NAMES LIVE ON FOREVER MORE
A heart full of GRATITUDE.. though it seems not enough but to say THANK YOU!Today is officially REMBERANCE DAY here in England (not sure elsewhere)
A day to remember as a nation all those who have served and given their lives in any wars fought for the freedom of our counties.
I ponder on this day with a heavy heart as I think of the many life`s lost and damaged through those days of horror and pain. For those also who today are still fighting to try to make a better world for us all to live in. Those who strive to bring peace to men.
My grandfather, Thomas Walpole, was killed in the 1st world war at the Battle of the Somme. He died on the 1st of July when I believe 7000 fell at the same time as they were sent over the fields in France to go claim the land at the other side (believing that all the Germans were killed) Many of them were sent to claim it, as they got over half way across the Germans opened fire on them. It was the biggest loss in one battle.
He died at 29 years leaving my grandma and 5 children. My dad was 3 years old. My grandma remarried but her new husband would never have my granddads name mentioned in the home. My dad did not remember his dad… so sad. I believe my dad was damaged by this as his new step father was not a nice person though he did take on my grandma and 5 children.
I know nothing of any of my dads side of my family. I have never seen a photo or heard a story… so sad.
In August this year I got to go and visit Flanders Fields where my granddad was laid to rest. It was a deeply emotional time for me. It was like I was meeting him for the first time in a cemetery. It was a poignant time for me and I shed many tears. I looked around the immaculately kept cemeteries and saw so many headstones, the soldiers were buried where they fell. So many cemeteries, so many life`s, so much heartache.
I went on to visit my Great Uncles place of rest in a different cemetery. John Pickles, son of my Great Grandparents, their youngest child and only son. He went to battle when 17 and died at 19. He too died at the Battle of the Somme but a couple of weeks later, he was injured on the 1st of July, but because he could shoot over both shoulders he was not sent home with his injury. I have the letter my Grandma and Grandad received telling of this death.... heartbreaking, saying how died in honour with his face to the enemy. I thought of how my grand parents must have felt receiving this news.
Both died in honour of serving their King and country.
We all have our stories to tell of loved ones sacrificing for the good of mankind.
Please feel free to add your story to this in honour of all great men and women …
WHO GAVE THEIR TODAYS THAT WE CAN HAVE OUR TOMORROWS!
God Bless them all, for they are as it says on many headstones where they did not know the name of a soldier who died.. KNOWN UNTO GOD.
I pray that peace will be had on this earth and that we can learn to live in harmony one with another. If just you and I can learn from this and decide today to live in peace with our fellowmen then all their sacrifice was/is not in vain.
With all my heart.. THANK YOU!
Comments (35)
Wikipedia
Each evening of EVERY DAY, they hold a little service there where the last post is sounded and the poem.. `We will remember them` is recited and wreaths laid. the day I went their was about 5000 people in attendance. So very moving. Little children .. were silent.
So grateful they do this .. Lest we forget.
I'd go with Bobikins next time if I have the chance...
Today! Is the day, in the usa. also!....
This touched me deeply.
Your family has had their share of pain and suffering too. So sorry to hear that.
So many young lives were lost, yes so very sad.
I have seen in Holland the thousands of crosses and the odd star of David.
I can imagine how you must have felt going there to see.
I had put my stories on the blog again but I am a survivor.
We are here in a few hours remembering those who did not make it.
May they rest in peace.
Thank you for sharing your story wallops...
I had a great Uncle who fought also in two wars including the Boar war. He had his leg shot off in one of them but I don`t remember now which one. I can still see him with his wooden leg in the corner of their room.. he hated wearing it. What a gentleman he was though. I really loved him. He got the St Georges cross for valour.
War is awful and should never happen but I am grateful for those who fought that we may have freedom today though.
Your story is so moving Bc.. everyone should read it. So poignant.
The 5th of May every 5th year, the Dutch sponsor Canadian veterans for about two-three weeks.
The vets tell that they have never seen anything like it, the way the Dutch show how thankful they are and show it so abundantly.
Yes war is a terrible thing, so many young lives lost.
Yes I am in agreement with you here wallops; God bless them all R.I.P.
Your prayer is a very nice one and I would like to add mine.
yesterday on TV news I watched the poppies.
too many indeed.
I feel I saw my grandads face and uncle in those faces in the trenches. Truly moving.
We will remember them
Respect! Gratitude!! Love!!
Yeah! I found it, online. Thanks.
Yes indeed they deserve to be remembered and prayed for. Thanks again.
Thanks for posting this...always remember those who fought for our right of freedom...
So sorry for your loss.
Apparantly the Canadians were feared by the Germans in WW1 because they were known as ferocious fighters. There is a Canadian cemetery in Flanders fields also.
So sad for all those who have gone and fought for us whenever and still do. They are so very very brave.
Love to you..
Love to you..
It is wonderful that your dad escaped, not many did. So brave!!! He sounds like a truly wonderful man and I can see why you are so very proud him. Hugs to your dad. Love your brave and courageous dad
So sad that you lost 3 of your uncles in the war.. so very sad
I was happy to hear that both your grandfather`s returned in one piece.. though I am sure the horrors of what they saw would have lived with them forever. Such brave men to honour.
Thank you Ken, for adding to this memorable day with your story
So grateful for all our soldiers who have and still do fight for our freedom.