“Heroism is endurance for one moment more.”
~ George F. Kennan
I have made time in recent years, to attend the local Remembrance Day Parade and this year was no exception. The weather was almost identical to last year too with warm sunshine and misty Autumn hues.
I don’t just attend for the photographs, I find it moving to see the turnout, the hoards of people following the parade down the streets and then gathering in the churchyard for the open air service afterwards. I find it moving that nobody really leaves until the end, they are all there for the duration.
Our remembrance day parade occurs in layers with serving men and women marching with cadets following and the War Veterans amongst them. It’s the best way. This year it was also fantastic to see that the Gurkha’s were included in the parade.
So I took quite a few images, but mostly I enjoyed the service. Whilst not religious, many things that were said struck a chord. Nevertheless I’ll leave you with no more words other than a poem I wrote several years ago…
I Do Not Know Your Name Today
I do not know your name today,
Nor the colour of your eyes,
But I see you in the living men,
Adorned with polished pride.
I do not know your name today,
Nor the colour of your skin,
But I see you in the marching bands,
The tap of drumsticks upon tin.
I do not know your name today,
Nor where you died in fight,
But I know this, that you aren’t lost,
As we remember you tonight.
I do not know your name today,
Or whether you fought through choice,
But be you volunteer or commandeer
Our unity today will be your voice.
Kathryn Dawson Photography 