We visited graves from both wars and attended The last post in Ypres, which was one of the most emotional moments of clarity I think we all shared, such an amazing experience. There were babies through to the elderly, from across Europe and maybe further. I spoke with a lovely Belgium couple who had never seen the ceremony before and we shared our emotions without boundaries, laughed and talked about why we were there then wished each other a good life.
My parents were only very small children during the second world war and have vivid memories of the bombs overhead and the empty desk the next day at school, listening to breaking news on the radio and seeing the Pathe news at the cinema. I always wanted to pay my respects and educate myself as an adult, yes I studied History at school but so many years ago and it wasn't the most interesting of subjects to a 14 year old!!
The main reason for the visit was that I promised my Dad, I would find his Uncles Grave and that we did! Only a 90 minute drive and we found ourselves in a quiet little village at the gates of a community cemetery...very special private moment for us all to share together. It was also a very special birthday for my Mom so this was our birthday present to her too. I know how lucky we all are to have each other, I also know that we are here thanks to the bravery and tireless efforts of all those women and men across the Country and continent for giving us all the chance to live free.
God Bless all the soldiers, all the families and all the amazing brave children of the war, of which two, are my Mom & Dad. I am very proud and hope our son and others for generations to come, never have to endure the suffering and fear they did.
For The Fallen
At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them."