'They Shall Not Grow Old...'

[St. George]

Originally written to commemorate the ANZAC dead of the Great War - 'For the Fallen' is read on 'Remembrance Day'  - the 11th of November - a day set aside much like our own 'Memorial Day' that commemorated those soldiers who fell in battle during our Civil War.

That's what 'Memorial Day' was supposed to mean - a day set aside for patriotic speeches, parades and the remembering of our forefathers' sacrifices made in Service to the Country...

Would that it were ever thus...

If you can - take some time to visit the final resting place of those you've known and served with  and those you've loved who've passed before.
Take a small brush and clean off their stone and think about them for a few minutes.
They'd do the same for you if they could - after all - they were soldiers and they know that just to be remembered by fellow soldiers counts for a lot...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

*****************



'For The Fallen'

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.
Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

[Sam Perfye]

US Scout, You've hit on my own personal tradition. My best friend in high school and I did boot together, he was in the barracks in Lebanon in 83. Sundown on 10/10 we share a pint and catch up. Honor those serving now, remember those who served in the past. Al

[St. George]

While I'm sure that US Scout shares the sentiment - he didn't post this one...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[US Scout]

As St George points out, I didn't write it - though I do indeed share the sentiments.  I suspect that most of our GAF members share them as well.

Back around 1997 or so, I was over in the UK on Remembrance Day.  I purchased one of the paper poppy flowers, of which I haven't seen in this country in some years, and wore it on my coat up until a few months ago when it finally fell completely apart.

Speaking of ANZAC, I had the opportunity of attending an ANZAC Day in Iraq back when I was over there.  I've done considerable study on Gallipoli so had a strong appreciation of what that day meant to our Australian comrades.

US Scout
Bvt Brig Gen, GAF

[Top Kick Ken]

Amen to what's been posted here.  My Grandfather was in the Australian Army serving at Gallipolli and later in France and Belgium.

I wanted to go to the cemetery my father is in (He served in WWII and Korea) , but it has been closed by the state of California for severe mismanagement issues.  There is a padlock on the gate and no one is allowed to enter.    So I satisfied myself by calling a few of my service buddies and broke out a few pictures of my dad and grandfather.  I'll finish the day with a prayer for those who serve, those who have served, and most importantly those who have made the supreme sacrifice. 

That is pretty much my tradition for this day.

My thanks to all of you here that have served!

Top Kick Ken