Rememberance Day - Veterans still living.

[loo]

I believe there are 5 WW1 vets left in Canada.  This was the first year that none of them made it to the memorial in Ottawa, although one of them was out on one of the NHL hockey rinks the other day in his wheelchair!  They average 105 years.

My mum, dad and all uncles were enlisted in WW2, and, miraculously, all survived and lived to a good age despite 2 being wounded, one very close to death. 
Mum, dad and 1 uncle still living, and looking after themselves in their own homes!  But I've been discovering that they primarily had very very good genes for at least 200 years, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that they're all well over 80 and still going strong!

[Menfreya]

Every year I wear my poppy with pride, however this time my 5 year old son asked me why I had a flower. I tried so hard to explain to him what it was all about but I don't think he fully understood. He sat with me though and watched some of the service on TV (we intend to take him to a local service next year when he is little older). We feel it is something he should know about and with my husband being interested in Military History you can be sure he will learn about what happened.

What I found so strange was the fact that I was the only person at work to wear a poppy. I know it is a small thing to do compared to what those guys did, but I feel they deserve our respect and by wearing a poppy I am showing that respect for them.

Also this year rememberance day meant more to me than it has before, I think because I have found as many others have here on Rootschat, how many in their families fought and how many did not return from either WW1 or WW2.

"We will remember them"

[Man of Kent]

A lot more people would wear them if they were under their noses, consider asking the boss if you can get some in your work location next year.

[Arranroots]

I see Alfred ANDERSON died yesterday, aged 109.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwone/last_tommy_gallery_01.shtml

RIP

[Man of Kent]

Such a shame, at least he was able to visit France a couple of weeks ago, and like he said then"His last visit"

[Zelley]

Every year I wear my poppy with pride, however this time my 5 year old son asked me why I had a flower. I tried so hard to explain to him what it was all about but I don't think he fully understood. He sat with me though and watched some of the service on TV (we intend to take him to a local service next year when he is little older). We feel it is something he should know about and with my husband being interested in Military History you can be sure he will learn about what happened.

What I found so strange was the fact that I was the only person at work to wear a poppy. I know it is a small thing to do compared to what those guys did, but I feel they deserve our respect and by wearing a poppy I am showing that respect for them.

Also this year rememberance day meant more to me than it has before, I think because I have found as many others have here on Rootschat, how many in their families fought and how many did not return from either WW1 or WW2.

"We will remember them"

Excellent post with some great points, I trust in time
your son will understand. 

[CarolBurns]

My Great Uncle, William Hugh Thomas, died in WW1 aged 17. My Grandfather remembers, at the age of 4,  watching him march down the main street in the village with all the other men from the village. That was the last time he saw him. He died and is buried in France and my Dad often wished he had been able to take my Grandad over there before he also died.

My father in law and many others of the family served in Burma in WW2 and met and married my Mother in law so at least 6 good things came out of that war (my husband being one of them) He suffered for many years when he came back but carried on in Bomb Disposal until he died in 1966. My mother in laws sisters married other members of the regiment (KOYLIs) and were flown out to India and then Britain where they settled. When Burma became independant the rest of the family moved out to Britain and Austalia. They were there during the Japanese occupation but they find it hard to talk about that time as they lost so many members of the family to the Japanese.

Nowadays we are lucky to have heard the stories and know what our ancestors did to make us what we are today. In 30 years , if not less, they will probably have been forgotten by many. The younger generations today are not interested in what happened 60 and 80 years ago. They are only interested in today and tomorrow.

 At least those of us who are doing our Family Histories can remember those that died in all the wars and keep their name and actions going through ourselves.

Carol

[wotty]

My children have worn a poppy since they were about five because the head teacher at their school goes around the classes with a box of them. I don't think either of them understood why until last year, when I finally found a picture of my great uncle Hubert who died in the First World War. It helped that I could explain that as a member of the Medical Corps, he hadn't gone there to kill people but to help (my older son, in particular, seems to think that if you go to kill someone you deserve what you get). However, he is studying the Second World War at school now and is getting a more balanced view of what goes on in war.

I intend to take them to see Great Uncle Hubert's grave in the next couple of years. I think when they see those graves in Ypres, it will really mean something to them. I am determined to do everything I can to make sure my children don't forget what Remembrance Day is about.

Wotty

[linmey]

My 15 year old nephew has just been to visit the war graves with his school. It takes a lot to make an impression on a 15 year old, but what he saw certainly did just that.
    My great uncle died in 1918 and I intend visiting his grave as soon as I can.
          Linda.