11th Hour, 11th Day, 11th Month…

Rememberance Sunday. Every year the media and various official bodies try to argue that it has no relevance to modern people. Even on the day itself, the BBC was reporting that some services were refusing to name those lost in the World War I because it was too long ago. Other councils were reported to be arguing over white vs red poppies, whilst all the time people were focussing on John Snow’s decision not to wear one at all On-Air. Despite this, the country fell silent at 11am on Saturday and again on Sunday.

We watched in our town’s High Street as troops marched to the War Memorial accompanied by pipes and drums. Not just troops of the services and young cadets. The Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, Guides and pupils from the town’s secondary school carried Standards and marched behind them. Most of the town were lining the streets, as the church service was aired over tannoys. The streets, normally lined with twenty-somethings was home to people of all ages. Many sang Amazing Grace with some gusto, and the National Anthem with pride. Across the road a man in Second World War Uniform and handle-bar mustache held on to the pram containing a small child, whilst another with grey Brylcreemed hair carried a bucket for donations.

A few yards away from me two typical youths, complete with ‘Parka’, Quodrophenia-style jacket and a BMX, around 17/18 years of age watched on. With an earring and ‘yob’ haircut, one started to reaffirm my faith in our culture. From behind I expected them to mock. I’m sure in most situations they would. But as the names of those lost to the wars was read out, it noticed he was in his full three-piece suit. He stood, hands only parting from their place in front of his stomach ocasionally to chew his gold-ringed finger as he solemnly looked at the ground in respect. He watched on thoughtfully as primary school children placed wreaths at the foot of the memorial.

Had he lost Grandparents in the Second World War? Or was it more recent, perhaps a relative in Iraq, or one of the other conflicts our fearless leaders, who have never served in an armed force, have gotten us involved in? Whatever the story, I’d have to say that Rememberance Sunday definitely has a relevance today.

This morning and into the afternoon we remembered those lost in previous wars, and the nation, it’s government and Monarch prayed for peace. This evening the news broke that 4 British soldiers were killed in a bomb ambush attack whilst patrolling on a boat in Iraq. Today has relevance, but does it have meaning and power to change things…?