11am

Aye

Today I have an appointment in the Med Centre at 1110hrs - it will be special because the Unit call out the Silence, the whole place stops, I will be in the thick of it.

I shall cry

Whatever I am doing I will stop and think about loved ones and strangers lost.

For all the lives lost in defending their homes

There's only TWO word any one can really say....THANK YOU.

I've just done the announcement on the work tannoy. I always get quite choked up.

You are remembered.

The gun shot to announce it made me jump. Lots of servicemen stood very still, it was very emotional

Aranthos and I stood quietly joining the silence along with all Radio 2 listeners.

Lots of brave folks lost for many causes - not all of which seem to make sense though.

We had a ceremony for the unveiling of the new memorial in the stadium. Pipes always get me going....

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

We sat in the hall at school for this. It always chokes me as have family members who fought in the Falklands and were in Northern Ireland and am so grateful they came home. God bless all the service men and women and their families .

I went to church in my village for the service, was the only Brit amongst them, wearing my little cocquelicot. Is always a poignant time having left many friends behind, and I generally have a tear or 2 during the silence. This year was no different.