In Flanders Fields

Posted on Nov 11, 2017 by TanGental

 

Three years ago a display of ceramic poppies filled the moat at the Tower of London. I took some pictures and then the Archaeologist recited possibly the most powerful WW1 poem and sent me the link. It’s attached below in the post I did at the time if you are interested.

Last night I was at Wembley to watch a game of football between England and Germany. Before the match, both teams laid poppy wreaths and stood for a minute’s silence to remember all people killed in conflicts around the world as a symbol to ask for peace together. The Last Post played and  choked up as  I always do

As I stood I reflected on the fact that it took so many years for this little symbol to happen.  If there’s one remaining situation where public displays of jingoism are permitted, nay expected it is international football matches. Yet here I was with 80000 applauding respectfully the two teams. The German national anthem played to hardly a sound and we sat down in a reflective mood.

Of course it was a little thing but to me hugely symbolic. Have we grown up at last? Is this a really a symbol to hold onto?

I do hope so

via In Flanders Fields

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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30 Responses to In Flanders Fields

  1. Ritu says:
    Nov 11, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    We can but hope this little acknowledgement is a sign of a bigger change His Geoffleship .

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  3. trifflepudling says:
    Nov 11, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    Good stuff. Pax orbis.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. noelleg44 says:
    Nov 11, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    If we do not remember, we are doomed to repeat. I had to memorize In Flander’s Field when I was in middle school. I can still recite it. Peace, love and thanks to all the men and women serving in Armed Forces everywhere and especially to my son, on his fourth deployment to the Middle East.

    Liked by 3 people

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  5. Judy E Martin says:
    Nov 11, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    I certainly hope so, Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Mick Canning says:
    Nov 11, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    It’d be lovely to think we had finally grown up, but I won’t be holding my breath!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. robbiesinspiration says:
    Nov 11, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    A beautiful post, Geoff. I am delighted to see the English all celebrating their war veterans the way I am seeing it today.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • TanGental says:
      Nov 11, 2017 at 11:13 pm

      It’s done well these days and I find it heartening that yesterday we stood with the Germans in unity and today I was at Twickenham with the Argentinians. Recent foes but together in the hope of a future peace.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. JT Twissel says:
    Nov 11, 2017 at 5:22 pm

    I was actually in London three years ago and visited the Tower. It was an unforgettable experience.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. willowdot21 says:
    Nov 11, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    I love this poem most of all the war poems. I also visited the tower and was in awe of what I saw. We have a Poppy from there and will pass it on to our eldest Grandson when the time is right. I am afraid I have no optimising for world peace…. 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. Rowena says:
    Nov 12, 2017 at 9:58 am

    At least, some have grown up. Or, is more a case of growing old, and water flowing under the bridge? It seems that the need to hate and find enemies has shifted onto new foes.
    I have been puppy parenting and it’s become quite clear with two sets of pups, that they love to fight. They go looking for a fight. If their “colleagues” are asleep, they’ll wake them up for a fight. These fights generate a lot of growls but they’re playful and I suspect part of their development and help them to build up strength.
    Unfortunately there are humans who seems to share the pups’ love of a fight, but they’re fighting with violence and destruction. Fortunately, they’re in the minority but they’re making sure their presence is felt.
    xx Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Norah says:
    Nov 12, 2017 at 11:30 am

    I was pleased to be there and see that wonderful display. It was very moving.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. florijansworld says:
    Feb 28, 2018 at 8:08 pm

    Absolutely beautiful!

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