Veterans

[TARNATION !!!]

Yes, THANKS to the Veterans who secured the freedoms we all enjoy. Thinking out loud here but maybe taking the freedoms somewhat for granted is in a way a great compliment. The fact we don't have to look over our shoulder in fear and can go about our daily lives content that tomorrow will come and our children can pursue their own happiness in whatever manner is a testament to what our Veteran's sacrifices have secured for us. We do remember on special days and give pause to think about the cost of freedom and some will remember every day but the vast majority will continue to live day to day without much thought about why they can. In the old forum I posted a Never Off Topic thanks to our Vets because of a small folded newspaper clipping I almost missed but found in an old suitcase of memories that had been ravaged by a flood. Most of the contents I have now managed to salvage. Here are two more that go together well. My mother-in-law was a recent bride when she found herself buried in the rubble of what had been a block of ten homes, thanks to the random nature of a V1 rocket attack. She did survive by getting under a "Morrison" table when she heard the "doodle bug" engine cut out. She was claustrophic her entire life. I have no idea who wrote the poem. I have had it researched by the Imperial War Museum in London but with no success. (A.R.P. refers to Air Raid Precautions - a part of civil defence.) This poem remains anonymous but poignant. (If it is not easy to see, click on it for a larger version and if still not large enough to read, hold down the Ctrl key and then tap the + key a few times. A good trick for old eyes ) The newspaper clipping is a salute to the Vets who made the supreme sacrifice.

Jack