My few thoughts. This has been a very moving weekend. A certain reunion on Friday where a lot of lost companions were remembered fondly. My wife, Carol, and I visited the amazing Bomber Command Memorial on Saturday; as if the Memorial itself wasn't stunning enough, we found ourselves surrounded by a multitude of vets and families who were there to remember their fallen comrades and to place wooden crosses, poppies and wreaths there. I found that very humbling indeed and it bought to mind one of the last conversations I had with my father.
He was a pilot in the Royal Air Force of 38 years; Sunderlands, Lancasters, Shackletons, to name but three. He praised me for flying such complicated, modern fighters and was trying to compare what I did with what he did, clearly feeling that I was the one that had done the more difficult job. I had to stop him to point out that my aircraft were more complicated than his, mainly because of all the new (then) kit I had at my disposal. The real achievement was the by the men that did that job with so little. That to me was true skill and bravery.
So the BCM allowed me to look at those young men that did so much with so little.
Today, we all remember those that gave their lives and their limbs and those that continue to do so. Again, on a personal note, my thoughts are with Carol's younger son, Laurence, who is currently on patrol in the Afghan Desert, leading his troop in a very uncertain, unforgiving and, at times, unthankful place. And also with their families.
Finally, the marvellous Royal Navy's presence at the Cenotaph brought to mind my grandfather who was sunk on HMS Manchester, escorting the Malta Convoy. Like his compatriots, he never complained and hardly ever spoke of his experiences; to him, he just did his duty.
Just my thoughts this morning.
Last edited by Courtney Mil; 11th Nov 2012 at 11:52.
Reason: Sunday morning typo.