Remembrance Day evokes memories of the ceremonies conducted on this day at primary school. It was taken very seriously in those days. At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, we were lined up in front of the flag, with our red poppy button-holes and our fathers' medals, and a little memorial service occurred. It seemed to have a more personal touch then, which is understandable as World War 2 was a relatively recent memory and there were still many people around who had personal memories of World War 1.
Nowadays, it seems to be more dispassionate. This is not to say that the feelings expressed aren't genuine, it's just that they appear to be not as personal. The reasons for this are obvious enough, as generations have moved on and there are far fewer people around who have been personally affected by the loss of close ones in times of conflict. It is interesting, though, that this year the sequences of "11s" is carried on a further step, being the 11th year (of the century). Just for the record, here are some photos from a later conflict (Vietnam).
Nowadays, it seems to be more dispassionate. This is not to say that the feelings expressed aren't genuine, it's just that they appear to be not as personal. The reasons for this are obvious enough, as generations have moved on and there are far fewer people around who have been personally affected by the loss of close ones in times of conflict. It is interesting, though, that this year the sequences of "11s" is carried on a further step, being the 11th year (of the century). Just for the record, here are some photos from a later conflict (Vietnam).
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