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Armistice Day Commemoration, 2008
AT the
eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, ninety
years on from the signing of the peace treaty that signified the end
of the First World War, people once again gathered at Cenotaphs and
War Memorials, all around the country to remember and respect all
those who have given their lives in service of their country and for
the benefit of others, not least us, their successors. A very
dignified and well-attended service was held in Formby.
Contrary to the
belief of some, this act is very definitely not a glorification of
war. Rather it is a solemn remembrance of the very regrettable
cost of war. Whilst comradeship may be fondly remembered, too
many veterans know the horrendous human cost of such hostilities.
We were reminded of how things have changed since those very young
men were wooed, often with light hearts, into the fight in 1914.
The Hon. Chaplain to the Formby branch of the Royal British
Legion also mentioned that in those days some of these men were
‘shot at dawn’; often forced beyond their endurance, they
left their posts and paid the ultimate penalty. The horrors of
war are still evident today in our world. It is not just the
dead and injured of the two world wars who are remembered, but also
those who have fallen right up to the present day. It is right
and necessary for us to pause and reflect and to learn from history.
There may be much contention these days about the rights and wrongs
of going to war, but the families of lost servicemen and those left
with serious difficulties still need vital support, much of which is
supplied by the British Legion. The money, which is
supplemented by the annual Poppy
Appeal, helps provide care and advice and is just as relevant today.
At the Formby Service, the Standard Bearers, who proudly marched the
Standards on and off, were Ken Ward and Michelle Miller of the RBL.
and two Cadets from 611 Squadron ATC. After the Chaplain’s
address, the Vice President of Formby RBL, Norman Farrell, read the
familiar Exhortation,
“They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Age
shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down
of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them”.
The Standards were lowered as the Bugler, Dave Culshaw, played the
Last Post and the two minutes silence ensued, and beyond, in Formby
Village, the silence was also largely observed. Following the
Reveille, the Kohima Epitaph was read by Vice – President Don
Morgan... “When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow, we gave our today”.
Dignitaries present and laying crosses included the Mayor of Sefton,
Cllr Paul Tweed, RBL. Vice-President Norman Farrell BEM.
( President Col. Mary Craig was unable to attend, on this
occasion. She is retiring after many years of loyal service.)
President, Womens’ Section Formby RBL Chairman Cyril Golbourne and
Vice- Chairman Don Morgan.
Chairmen of Formby and Little Altcar Parish Councils, and
representatives of other organisations and members of the general
public.
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