Remembrance Day

This last week I’ve seen a bunch of posts, profile decorations, photos about Remembrance day with Union Jacks and St George’s crosses.

So I want to say something about that.

Remembrance is about taking time to consider the sacrifices made during war. Primarily we think of the armed forces and those who died, but also those civilians who worked hard to protect their society and those who returned affected by their experiences.

We do NOT only think of English soldiers. We do NOT only think of British forces. We do NOT only think of World War II.

We remember the sacrifices made by people of all nations in all wars. Not just one poppy, millions.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

The Polish fighter pilots, the Turkish naval officers, the German soldiers in the trenches, the Afghan forces working now to protect their society, and many more.

When Remembrance day gets turned into a nationalistic celebration of a victory 75 years old, we forget that it was won through cooperation and joint efforts. Worse, we ignore those who live among us today, struggling with the effects of having served in combat.

So instead of posting a Union Jack or English cross, use a poppy and support Help for Heroes instead.