Remembering
At this time of year with 11th November approaching thoughts always turn to those who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars.
On a beautiful summers day in August we visited a typical English summer village fete, held in the grounds of lovely manor house. This scene who have been quite familiar to those living 80 years ago. With a band playing vintage tunes, beautiful gardens to walk around, a coconut shy, tombola, cream teas and homemade cakes.
On the main lawn was a marquee that showed displays and information about RAF Warmwell, which was a Second World War airfield, located close by and now derelict.
In the church next door are the war graves of those that died from that airfield. Those that died were all in their 20's and included British, Canadian, Polish and South African personnel. This is the first time I have come across Commonwealth War Graves in a village churchyard.
My parents and all my aunts and uncles were all in the services during the 1939-1945 and were lucky to come through it all OK, but this summer scene reminded me so vividly that others had not been so lucky. They may not have been able to start families that could enjoy this summer scene.
This post is dedicated to all those that died or suffered as a consequence of that dreadful time in our history.
Their yesterdays bought us our tomorrow. (*)
Sarah x
(*) Quote was taken from Andy Cooke who has written about the history of the airfield see here.
May we never forget those who have, who are, and who will give their all for us.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteLovely post and to remember those that bravely went before us.
It must have been great to enjoy a day at the fete and I like the quote - so true.
Happy Sunday
Hugs
Carolyn
Lovely post and beautiful photos x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely dedication sweet Sarah....and though I had only one family member who served (and who flew over England!), this is a day to remember all who have gone forth so bravely. Your world is SO BEAUTIFUL and look at those flowers....still so bright and alive! Hugs, Anita
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah, We are all very grateful for those you gave their lives so we can live our wonderful lives today.. Lovely tribute indeed. Hugs Judy
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful quote and so true. It's so important to remember. My grandad fought in the war. Such amazing courage. X
ReplyDeleteI have always been inspired by the stories of Britain's courage during WW2. I'm currently reading a book called Mr. Churchill's Secretary, and so I'm immersed in that time period right now. Remembrance Day is observed all across Canada as well. Even the smallest towns have cenotaphs with people gathered around them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely quote and so true. We, in Holland, remember '40-'45 at 4 and 5 of may. Always special days, each year.
ReplyDeleteWhat an nice summer village fete, so English:) Lovely greetings
Beautiful post today, and I enjoyed reading about the fete too. I always think of Trebah, a local garden, where some of the American forces embarked for D-Day on Remembrance Sunday. Some left that beautiful spot on the Helford and were never to return, so very sad.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise that the American forces were based in Cornwall too. Dorset like Devon and Hampshire had many American troops stationed here. Over 20,000 troops departed from Weymouth to fight in France.
DeleteSarah x
What a thoughtful post.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise there was a RAF base at Warmwell during WW11. Which house did you visit? and which church is that?
The church is Holy Trinity Church at Warmwell and the manor is Warmwell House. As far as I am aware the gardens are is only open once a year when the annual fete takes place.
DeleteSarah x
My grandpa was in the war. We always go to the parades to honor the Veterans. It is also my Birthday so i grew up being told that i am a veterans day baby.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the second book, Winter of the World, of Ken Follet's millennium trilogy. England lost so many men in both WWI and WWII.
ReplyDeleteYes, a beautiful quote. We are all so very lucky we didnt have to live through those times.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched any footage on tv of the parades in London this year yet, my parents usually go to London but this year have gone to Spean Bridge where they have a memorial to the Commandos, wish I was there with them x
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, thankfully so many people still remember and appreciate their sacrifices. Just recently money has been given to restore a lot of war memorials getting school children involved too.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sobering thought indeed- all those missing families.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post Sarah. In Holland we commemorate the people that fell in the second world war on the 5th of May. I am still grateful for the Americans, Canadians and Polish men who helped to liberate our country.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely new week!
Madelief x
A beautiful post. We will not forget them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteSarah, such a beautiful and thoughtful post. The bouquet at the end was perfect. As CJ said, we will not forget them.
ReplyDeleteΙ didn't know when you commemorate the people victims of the two World Wars ...You created a beautiful tribute to these heros Sarah.I also saw your Queen in TV laying the wreath at the Cenotaph.
ReplyDeleteTo a brighter tomorrow...
Such a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to see people are still holding service and laying wreaths to commemorate Armistice Day.
Those precious lives who never came home and rest in another land.
A lovely post thank you.
Hugs
Shane
Very well put. We take our freedom so much for granted now but it was so close to being a very different world.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post. There is such a story here, about the airfield and the local village. We always visit our village war memorial for the service on Remembrance Sunday to remember (amongst all the others) the men and women of our community who never came home.
ReplyDeletesuch a lovely poignant post-- Lest we forget x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to the veterans. The manor looks do regal . Have a lovely week ahead dear Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post Sarah and a great tribute to all of those involved.
ReplyDeletePatricia x