Festival of Remembrance!!
Lest we forget!!!
I must be getting old.
I remember the Festivals of Remembrance of old where the whole of the floor of the Albert Hall was filled by tightly packed members of the three armed forces & there were military displays before they formed up. (Does anyone else remember the Navy doing mast manning, or Army PT instructors doing crossover gymnastic displays?
I am all for change and development, but I found it disheartening to see the only forces related features being on the death and injury of selected individuals. I fully appreciate that the point of the night and tomorrow is to reflect upon those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who have to live with the consequences of their service life. In previous years, I feel that a more positive aspect to life in the forces was presented based on comradeship and shared experiences, which probably acted as a significant benefit in recruitment terms.
Looking at the small numbers of what one might term "real" armed forces personnel on parade, one one hand, it surprised me that the Cubs and the Brownies weren't drafted in to try to try to fill up the empty space on the floor of the Albert Hall, even although they keep increasing the size of the platform that they build up a drumhead altar on. Not too long ago, the drumhead was built up on the stage, now it's in the middle of the flor to disguise how few armed forces folks we can spare for something as important as this.
I appreciate that we're in the middle of a war with Afghanistan & we need the folks on the ground just now, but surely we can scrape more folks together?
Roll on the cenotaph, hopefully it'll stay dry untill I lay my wreath.....
I remember the Festivals of Remembrance of old where the whole of the floor of the Albert Hall was filled by tightly packed members of the three armed forces & there were military displays before they formed up. (Does anyone else remember the Navy doing mast manning, or Army PT instructors doing crossover gymnastic displays?
I am all for change and development, but I found it disheartening to see the only forces related features being on the death and injury of selected individuals. I fully appreciate that the point of the night and tomorrow is to reflect upon those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who have to live with the consequences of their service life. In previous years, I feel that a more positive aspect to life in the forces was presented based on comradeship and shared experiences, which probably acted as a significant benefit in recruitment terms.
Looking at the small numbers of what one might term "real" armed forces personnel on parade, one one hand, it surprised me that the Cubs and the Brownies weren't drafted in to try to try to fill up the empty space on the floor of the Albert Hall, even although they keep increasing the size of the platform that they build up a drumhead altar on. Not too long ago, the drumhead was built up on the stage, now it's in the middle of the flor to disguise how few armed forces folks we can spare for something as important as this.
I appreciate that we're in the middle of a war with Afghanistan & we need the folks on the ground just now, but surely we can scrape more folks together?
Roll on the cenotaph, hopefully it'll stay dry untill I lay my wreath.....
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I disagree with you about the numbers of personnel on the floor, Donkey. Times have changed, and with them have the numbers available to be spared for such occassions.
The content is the important thing, and for me the mix was very good indeed. Hats off to the whole team involved for a moving and thought provoking tribute to the fallen and those who they have left behind. And how great it was to see an all too rare public airing of our military displaying their best pomp and circumstance.
The content is the important thing, and for me the mix was very good indeed. Hats off to the whole team involved for a moving and thought provoking tribute to the fallen and those who they have left behind. And how great it was to see an all too rare public airing of our military displaying their best pomp and circumstance.
Even my wife noticed the "thin red line" in terms of the small number of boys and girls out there. Was still a humbling sight as always. Just one question, why wasn't CDS in rig?
I didn't see Brown bow his head on the BBC coverage either. Did they miss it, or did Brown really fail to show this basic and essential mark of respect?
In contrast, David Cameron, Nick Clegg and all other politicians present certainly bowed in respect.
In contrast, David Cameron, Nick Clegg and all other politicians present certainly bowed in respect.
Posted a comment on the above thread regarding this morning's Cenotaph ceremony.
With regard to the Festival of Rembrance I thought it was pretty much of a curate's egg, and I agree with a lot of what Donkey said. The troops, bands etc were great as always, but my main problem is the mawkish singing that has infiltrated the ceremony - Hayley Westenra doing a very weak rendition of "We'll meet again"- I'm sure Dame Vera at 90 could still do better - and that "Prayer" thing at the end - truly dire! This is all subjective stuff of course, and good luck to those above who enjoyed it but I think I'll be sticking to the Cenotaph ceremony from now on.
With regard to the Festival of Rembrance I thought it was pretty much of a curate's egg, and I agree with a lot of what Donkey said. The troops, bands etc were great as always, but my main problem is the mawkish singing that has infiltrated the ceremony - Hayley Westenra doing a very weak rendition of "We'll meet again"- I'm sure Dame Vera at 90 could still do better - and that "Prayer" thing at the end - truly dire! This is all subjective stuff of course, and good luck to those above who enjoyed it but I think I'll be sticking to the Cenotaph ceremony from now on.
Tankertrashnav, strangely I came away with a slightly different impression to you, although I didn't start viewing it until the bulk of the Service Personnel had entered the Hall. It was they in fact that made me recall the FoR's of my day. Same ages etc, but for the most part those serving were paying tribute to previous generations, mainly in both WW's. Though that remains the case of course, a lot of those personnel in the Hall recently, I would guess, have their own Remembrance at the front of their minds, of comrades with whom they shared common danger and who have made the ultimate sacrifice. As to the format, well if it's aimed more to those younger generations now than mine or even more senior ones, I personally have no quarrel with that. As for Dame Vera, it seems she's not singing anymore and leaves it to the youngsters now. Can't think why 
, but you'd have to check with her if they are up to scratch or not, to her mind. Good to see her still turning out and paying tribute especially to the "Forgotten" XIVth Army. Also good to see HRH The Princess Royal taking part and not just watching. As usual it was the kid's that got to me, especially the little lad who spoke out loud, clear and word perfect his piece to the RBL President while handing over the poppies to be laid on the Book Of Remembrance. I was perfectly all right until then!
, but you'd have to check with her if they are up to scratch or not, to her mind. Good to see her still turning out and paying tribute especially to the "Forgotten" XIVth Army. Also good to see HRH The Princess Royal taking part and not just watching. As usual it was the kid's that got to me, especially the little lad who spoke out loud, clear and word perfect his piece to the RBL President while handing over the poppies to be laid on the Book Of Remembrance. I was perfectly all right until then!
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I didn't see Brown bow his head on the BBC coverage either. Did they miss it, or did Brown really fail to show this basic and essential mark of respect?
For God's sake Gordon, GO NOW!!
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Yes, the numbers are down in the RAH - but the pool of available volunteers is much smaller these days. It reminded me of the times when watching the serrvice with my Mother, recalling her lost friends and family and reminding me hope important it is that the 'young generation' must remember and give thanks for people who gave their todays for our tomorrows. I try and do the same with my young ones - if I can get through without blubbing!
Actually, I'm with Chug on the content RAH ceremony - it had me by throat!
The young lad was awesome - well done that man!
Today, after our local service, sat down family to watch the Cenotaph - I too thought I'd missed Broon - if it is true it shows one of 2 things:
Either he's a buffoon and got it hopelessly wrong, or that he really doesn't get it at all.
Whichever one you decide on, is he the man to be in charge of this once-great country?
Actually, I'm with Chug on the content RAH ceremony - it had me by throat!
The young lad was awesome - well done that man!
Today, after our local service, sat down family to watch the Cenotaph - I too thought I'd missed Broon - if it is true it shows one of 2 things:
Either he's a buffoon and got it hopelessly wrong, or that he really doesn't get it at all.
Whichever one you decide on, is he the man to be in charge of this once-great country?
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bombedup6
Can anyone explain to me why the concluding religious part of the BBC's Festival of Rembrance is a C of E service, and not non-denominational, or inter-faith or - as I would prefer - entirely non-religious?
Is it because of the Queen's presence, or because of Tradition, or because nobody wants to think about the many Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and even secular humanists who are even now fighting and dying for this country?
I actually find it offensive that the priest in the final blessing gives the sign of the cross and pronounces in the 'name of Jesus Christ' etc. after such an excellent programme depicting our gallant servicemen and women as Brothers in Arms. Can we not all find strength in our common humanity, rather than emphasize our religious divisions? What message is that to the Muslims we have gone to help in Afghanistan?
Is it because of the Queen's presence, or because of Tradition, or because nobody wants to think about the many Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and even secular humanists who are even now fighting and dying for this country?
I actually find it offensive that the priest in the final blessing gives the sign of the cross and pronounces in the 'name of Jesus Christ' etc. after such an excellent programme depicting our gallant servicemen and women as Brothers in Arms. Can we not all find strength in our common humanity, rather than emphasize our religious divisions? What message is that to the Muslims we have gone to help in Afghanistan?
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Bombedup6
I guess you are either on a wind up or you need to get out more.
Do you really "find it offensive" to see the final blessing with the sign of the cross, if so you are maybe in the wrong country, being it a Christian one.
Get a grip
If you want to ask, no I am not a church-goer or particularly religious but your exaggerated remarks p
d me off.
I guess you are either on a wind up or you need to get out more.
Do you really "find it offensive" to see the final blessing with the sign of the cross, if so you are maybe in the wrong country, being it a Christian one.
Get a grip
If you want to ask, no I am not a church-goer or particularly religious but your exaggerated remarks p
d me off.
Gentleman Aviator
Christian yes - C of E no it wasn't (don't think so anyway). Certainly in recent years it hasn't been, and the Service Chaplains have been chosen to be "one of each", ie CofE, RC and CFSC. I remember an old mate - Fr Tom Devaney - leading it once not too long ago.
Also don't think there are any non-Christian Service Padres.....but, as ever, I stand to be corrected on both counts.
As to recognition of other faiths, there are moving pictures on the big Remembrance thread of Stars of David and Crescents in the Field of Remembrance.
Also don't think there are any non-Christian Service Padres.....but, as ever, I stand to be corrected on both counts.
As to recognition of other faiths, there are moving pictures on the big Remembrance thread of Stars of David and Crescents in the Field of Remembrance.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Digressing slightly, as I went to the chancel steps this morning to recover my wreath before the end of our service, my 4 yr old grandson, unprompted, joined me and held the wreth. He then carried it out of the church in the procession.
Brought a lump to my throat.
Brought a lump to my throat.