11 November 2008

Remembrance Day


Remembrance or Armistice Day commemorates the end of hostilities that brought World War One to a close. These hostilities ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

I am anti-war. I just do not see the point of sending young men and women off to get killed. However, I appreciate those that do join the armed forces and serve their countries with dedication and honour. For those of us that do not serve, we must never belittle the sacrifices that these brave men and women make in order that we sleep snugly in the warm blanket of freedom.

My brother serves and I am immensely proud of his service, his dedication, and his courage.

We must not forget those who have served and fallen. This is why I take a moment on days like today to remember those who have fought and fallen in order that I enjoy the freedoms that I currently have.

I hope for peace.

12 comments:

schmerly said...

Rob..

I maybe a soppy old sod but to my mind these guys are real heroes, not sad morons like the Bali bombers.

Three of the last surviving veterans of the First World War joined serving soldiers in current conflicts to mark the 90th anniversary of the day peace returned to Europe.

Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108, led the nation as it remembered the sacrifices made by the 1914-1918 generation.

schmerly said...

Rob..

A quick update.

Of the five million men and women who served in Britain's armed forces in the war, only four are still alive.

The other surviving veteran, Claude Choules, 107, lives in Australia and will mark the 90th anniversary at local events there.

Rob Baiton said...

Schmerly...

Would never consider the men who were alive to see the armistice in 1918 in the same sentence with three recently executed murderers.

Anonymous said...

Yes, and please don't forget the thousands (hundreds of thousands?) of aborigines who were slaughtered and lost their homes, land and worldly posessions at the hands of some of these so called heroes. God Bless Australia! Long live the Queen!

Rob Baiton said...

idgaf...

To each their own, I guess!

Perhaps you need to read a few more of my posts before you pass judgment on what my views on the treatment of my indigenous brothers and sisters.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. You are entitled to yours.

A little more explanation on the relationship between Armistice Day and the treatment of the Australian indigenous population would be useful.

schmerly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
schmerly said...

Rob..

On a lighter note I've found an avatar that's a bit more (youthful!)than the old one.

I thought I'd use this one seeing as baby's seem to be all the rage at the moment.

Rob Baiton said...

Schmerly...

Indeed, it is much more youthful that the previous one.

I don't think I am going to make any comments on "babies being all the rage at the moment."

schmerly said...

idgaf..

I take objection on you calling these men(so called heroes)they are REAL heroes as were many others in both world wars, it's men like them that gave us the freedoms we enjoy today.

schmerly said...

Rob..

Rumour has it your going to change the name of your blog to: BBB

Bobs Baby Blog!

By the way are you going to be there when your wife gives birth?

If you are your a better man than me Gunger Din!

Rob Baiton said...

Schmerly...

Nah, no name change! Changing from a white to a black template was already traumatic enough for some ;)

Although, I am guessing there will probably be a few more baby posts from the Kid's proud old man!

Yes, I will be there and watching the little fella making his grand entry to the big bad world on the outside.

I guess I will be working more from home over the next couple of weeks.

schmerly said...

Rob..

I've seen quite a few animals giving birth, but seeing humans having baby's is just, I dunno different, I couldn't be there when it happened, I 'aint got the bottle!