In year 9 we went on a history trip to Belgium where we visited museums, war memorials and cemeteries of many different countries. Just before getting on the coach to come back to London we stopped at the Menin Gate, a memorial dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers that were killed in the Ypres Salient of World War I. The citizens of the town wanted to express their gratitude for those that had given their lives for the sake of Belgium’s Freedom and so each night, starting in 1927 when it was opened, buglers from the local fire brigade close the road that passes under the Gate and sound ‘The Last Post’. Even today this solemn ceremony takes place.
On Thursday I re-watched the film Schindler’s List which reminded me of the horrors of the Second World War and the grave injustices committed against humanity. Today’s world would have been so much different if it were not for those countless men and women who sacrificed their lives for the sake of world peace. Can you even begin to imagine the suffering? It is for that reason we remember, lest we should forget. How do you show your gratitude?
(There was a second half to this, but I’ve decided to post that later otherwise this would have become too long).
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