Armistice

Every year for the last 20 years or so, I’ve paid my respect for the fallen at the War Memorial at the corner of the Forbury Gardens in Reading.

There have been times where there has been only handful of people with me but over last few years the numbers swelled.

A couple of years ago the proceedings were hijacked by these well-meaning but incompetent WI types who really made a pig’s ear of the whole affair.

Therefore, I was somewhat perturbed when I turned up today to see that speakers had been set up and there was a press presence.

However, I was pleasantly surprised.

All of the Crown Court Judges turned up in their wigs and gowns, there was a large number of people in attendance including a group of 20 or 30 young children.

The Mayor, Councillor Deborah Edwards, recited the Ode of Remembrance and the Last Post was timed to perfection; the last notes fading away as the Town Hall clock started its 11:00 o’clock chimes. The 2 minute silence was impeccably kept after which the bugler sounded the reveille.

As the crowd dispersed I was stuck by its diverse nature. From elderly WW2 veterans proudly displaying their medals, to the tatty street cleaner who stopped to pay his respect. From the young children having the significance of the occasion explained to them, to the Sikh gentleman who laid a wreath on behalf those of his faith who also fell during conflict. Office workers, lawyers, IT engineers, young mums, disabled people, builders, delivery drivers all of all ages and races, each one had shown their respect.

As I walked away, I wondered about the society that we are in at the moment and whether it justified the sacrifice of these brave souls, and I’ve come to the conclusion that yes it does.

Granted, this world is not perfect, and I doubt that it’ll ever be, but overall, we have freedom of expression, fairness and tolerance.

May they all Rest in Peace.