#22 - A Time to Remember

A Pillar To Post

How apt and how fitting that today, on Sunday 8th November - the closest Sunday to Remembrance Day (on November 11th), we acknowledge the demise of another dangerous and divisive dictatorship, in  what was Donald Trump's memorable time as POTUS. Now, we all live in hope that the successors of another great nation - The United States of America, can reinstate a feeling of collectiveness, as the name of such a nation would suggest.

Such division, and over-zealous nationalism - especially in times of economic downturn, are often the most significant route causes of war, and large scale war at that. A battle for survival, from the most affluent curved corners of an oval office, to the rubble and sand of blown up cities in the Middle East, perhaps 'intelligence' isn't enough to separate us from all of the other animals.

Inevitably, the subject of war is entwined with that of politics, and so it is reasonable to understand why, for example, people may not wish to wear a poppy. The history of our nation isn't clean, it is bloodied, like that of many empires - from the Roman's to the Persian - the Mongol's to the Dutch.

In my very first edition I discussed Freedom of Speech and how we must use it more wisely and as we now live in an era where things aren't just whispered to those within your immediate physical reach, but instead are fired out of the cannon of correspondence onto social media. Words nowadays are capable of being spun into barbed wire web, like that which lined the trenches or the sands of Normandy, where so many died for such a right, and therefore, it is perhaps the most important time in mankind's history that we become more intelligent to the use of speech, and it's connotations.

And this issue somewhat applies to the use of the poppy. Over-zealous nationalists will claim it as a badge of Britishness, and subsequently many refrain from it's use - so to not be seen as one of 'those' people. Yet, both are in the minority, as we collectively come together to remember how those protected this immensely important right. A freedom to express ones' self freely, so long as it doesn't incite hatred.

There will be those who actively supported 'Black Lives Matter', who protested for progress and now choose not to adorn a poppy, nor will they respect it's true notion, who will speak of this nations' historical failings that both proceed and succeed the actions of the second world war, but ultimately, this right to protest has been protected and given to you by the death of many men & women - but most significantly, kids. Teenagers who gave their tomorrow for our today.

And so on a day like today, it is imperative that we remember the fallen.

On my fathers side of the family, we lost Able Seaman Thomas Heron onboard HMS Boadicea during the second world war, when we achieved Victory in Europe. His loss just one of millions in what was arguably histories' largest lesson, and so it has rightly been engrained on me just what his sacrifice meant. A victory for mankind, not just the allied forces. A victory won by those of many colours, creeds, races and religions, and so the remembrance poppy does not signify the lost soldiers of one nation, but those who fought against an abhorrent ideology.

Where would we be without these people?

And therefore, despite the above, I'd be lying if I said days like today don't make me proud to be British, or English. Contrary to what many will have you believe, we live in a fantastic part of the world, especially in Newcastle upon Tyne. Where the people are friendly, and most just expect you to be a decent human being irrespective of your background.

A place where despite lockdown, I believe we truly embrace being free. So come 11 o'clock, I will be remembering why I can celebrate this notion.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Ciao for now ✌