We will remember them.
I had a wonderful time at one of our local schools this morning. After thinking about what it means to 're-member' (i.e. to put something or someone back together in our mind) I invited the whole school to stand in silence for two minutes. Some of the smaller children didn't quite get it...but most of the school did amazingly well. Kids today are not used to such a discipline, and Northern Parade Junior School did themselves (and our armed peace-makers) proud.
Later, at 11.00am, I went down to my church. I rang the bell 11 times at 11 o'clock, and then stood to attention at the front of the church. I was surprised, and rather disappointed, that no-one in the street outside the church bothered to join me, or even to stop for a moment (even in a military/naval town like Portsmouth). They carried on walking past, with arms full of shopping. I suppose I should not be surprised...but how sad for those who have given their lives for us to have the freedom to go shopping (among many other freedoms) to have their sacrifice so callously dis-regarded.
To read what I hope is a thought-provoking meditation/sermon for Armistice/Remembrance Day, please click here. It was preached on Sunday, and again this morning at our 10am Armistice Day service.
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