Remembrance 2023: Braintree and Bocking

A long day.

Before 7:30 I was printing of several sheets for today's remembrance at the church.

I was doing the remembrance bit, so I ran off what I had come up with to ensure others knew what I was doing.  Then I had to write the prayer as I also had intercessions to do.  I was not happy with the half hearted manner in which I scribbled them down and printed them off.

I hobbled in dying shoes to church and was greeted as always by pretty young girls (of dubious age). 

Then discussed with the relevant people the organisation of the morning, and collapsed into my seat.

Sadly, there was no Brandy available from the medicine cupboard.

The time came, I done my piece, very nervously, babbling somewhat as the time was not rushing up to the 11 am hour.  I actually called out the memoriam at 10:59, and could see the man trying to play the 'Last Post' checking his watch.

We got through this, adding the national anthem (English), remembering to say 'King' and not 'Queen,' though I did not sing at all, and then I departed back to my place.

Not long after I was again at the front, less nervous, going through what I thought were poor, badly thought out prayers.

Then it was all over.

As I wished to rush home and eat before heading to the Town Remembrance I made for the door.  Three women stopped me, both praising my efforts and taking solace from my words.  There were stories unheard to hear, but I was rushing out.  How I wished I could have stayed and heard them all talk!  Typically these women do not do emails, so I canny find out more!  It will be forgotten next week.

Just after 2pm I was limping around the Gardens watching the service begin.  Having been running around (this is not to be taken literally) all week, and today's efforts at church, I was far from bright and cheery.  Indeed I almost missed the beginning of the service and interrupted everything!

I made no effort to climb up high as I usually do, the shame of falling flat on my face in coming down again put me off somewhat.  So, from a distance I snapped out of focus shots, and tried to find interesting pictures.

Such a shame the autofocus caught the women at the side.  His yawn was what I was looking for.

I browbeat one or two so I could picture their medals.  I want pictures of todays, and recent soldiers on the page so we realise that remembrance is not just about the dead from long ago.  We must remember those serving now, and those who served both between the wars and since 1945.  There are few memorials to them.

As always the Fire Service was represented.  

And as always a strong police presence was to be seen.

The service followed the usual British Legion pattern.  However, I noticed the crowd was well down on last year.  Many come of course, just to see their kid march.  Not all care about the war dead or what they see as wars from long ago.

 

Before it ended my flabby bulk was telling me to go home.  So, I trotted slowly up the hill, up the stairs, and began sorting the pictures.  Some of these I then put in the Braintree & Bocking Great War website, as I had promised the medal wearers.  Naturally it did not work, and much cursing was to be heard before it went up successfully.  I also added to the WW2 version but will finish that one tomorrow.

A young lady from the Sea Cadets came along, reflecting the various organisations many young men and women join before continuing on into the armed forces, if they are up to it.  Even if they do not enlist they will have had a great time for the most part and most likely avoid the dangers of having nothing to do.   

 

So, until next year.