Remembrance Day

Here in Britain, it seems like everyone actually participates in Remembrance Day which is like our Veterans Day except in the US, nobody does anything for it. Here, in the weeks leading up to November 11th, people are making donations and receiving a poppy to wear on their clothing as a sign that they are remembering those who died in the wars. They also have special services and parades at war memorials where people spend 2 minutes of silence. It is supposed to be at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, but they now do it on the Sunday closest to the 11th of November. So that was today. We went to a service in Bishop's Stortford at the castle gardens around the war memorial that is there. The service was led by a minister from a local church and we were following a procession into the area and out afterwards that was made up of different organizations wearing their uniforms and carrying flags. It was very reflective, and I even saw a young lady wipe her eyes at the end which surprised me. These Brits usually don't shed a tear, but they do seem to want to really remember and honor those who gave their lives to provide freedom today. Incidentally I did not actually wear a poppy...Maybe next time.