Remembrance
We had our study time after rising this morning, and then with single-minded focus, we set out to a large grocery store on the edge of town. I had a serious list, all intended for use for the dinner this evening. We made one stop at a restaurant supply company where we were able to get a few items at a reasonable price, before getting to the large store.
We had most of the items we needed in our basket and I left SK to go in search of one last item. As I rounded a corner to return to him, I noticed that all of the people in the meat and deli sections were outside of the counter and standing silently and still in front of it, facing towards the entrance of the store. I looked at SK and he put his hand to his mouth to signal me to be quiet. I looked at him and then looked down the aisle. Every direction I turned, there were people standing completely still and quiet.
It was then I realized that there was music playing very softly. I recognized it as something British, but it was so very faint, that I could barely hear it. It sounded like military music. I stood next to SK, understanding that it had something to do with the Day of Remembrance which was yesterday. When it finished, a lady's voice came over the intercom merely saying "Thank you."
Everyone continued on with their shopping and other tasks. When we went to the checkout, we asked the clerk to share with us what exactly that was. She very kindly explained the meaning for us, adding that her grandfather had fought in WWI and had been gassed. An explanation that puts it succinctly for you is from the BBC:
Armistice Day is on 11 November and is also known as Remembrance Day. It marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. A two-minute silence is held at 11am to remember the people who have died in wars.
Two minutes is a long time. It was reverent there in that large commercial place. I doubt there was anyone in the store who was alive in 1918, but they all were standing somberly and perhaps thinking of the cost in lives to families who sent loved ones away to war, loved ones who never returned. Tears rose to SK's eyes and he had to bite his lip.
It was a sweet two minutes and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
On a different note, I was thinking of our daughter Melissa, who was born 40 years ago on this day. It is a day to note and remember the sacrifices made for our comfort and freedom by our veterans. It is also a day to celebrate our brown-eyed daughter, who delights to serve, who is kind, forgiving, compassionate and generous to a fault. She is also one of those people who is somewhat of a mystery to me.
Last year, she coaxed me outside on mornings to walk....something I very much needed. I loved going with her and her new little rambunctious puppy - an Australian Shepherd. I huffed and puffed and tried hard to keep up. Sometimes, just to let the puppy have the rein, and just to get her own heart rate up higher than resting, Melissa would literally run circles around me, and we would both laugh.
Well, she does that in almost every other way as well. She is looking after people and serving them long before I even know there is a need. She bustles around her kitchen making large meals for hordes of people while I am trying to make a cake. She has chauffeured kids and organized schedules and been out to exercise while I am still trying to decide how to order my day.
So today is a very special day to remember....remember so many people who sacrificed so much. And to remember one very special person who is one of my greatest blessings.
Happy Birthday Melissa!
p.s. Family Home Evening here.....Winter Root Vegetable Soup was a hit, as well as a Texas Sheet Cake. Hooray! Afterwards, they opted for a movie night....they chose "Sister Madsen's favorite movie: Galaxy Quest." They all seemed to genuinely enjoy it.
We had most of the items we needed in our basket and I left SK to go in search of one last item. As I rounded a corner to return to him, I noticed that all of the people in the meat and deli sections were outside of the counter and standing silently and still in front of it, facing towards the entrance of the store. I looked at SK and he put his hand to his mouth to signal me to be quiet. I looked at him and then looked down the aisle. Every direction I turned, there were people standing completely still and quiet.
It was then I realized that there was music playing very softly. I recognized it as something British, but it was so very faint, that I could barely hear it. It sounded like military music. I stood next to SK, understanding that it had something to do with the Day of Remembrance which was yesterday. When it finished, a lady's voice came over the intercom merely saying "Thank you."
Everyone continued on with their shopping and other tasks. When we went to the checkout, we asked the clerk to share with us what exactly that was. She very kindly explained the meaning for us, adding that her grandfather had fought in WWI and had been gassed. An explanation that puts it succinctly for you is from the BBC:
Armistice Day is on 11 November and is also known as Remembrance Day. It marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. A two-minute silence is held at 11am to remember the people who have died in wars.
Two minutes is a long time. It was reverent there in that large commercial place. I doubt there was anyone in the store who was alive in 1918, but they all were standing somberly and perhaps thinking of the cost in lives to families who sent loved ones away to war, loved ones who never returned. Tears rose to SK's eyes and he had to bite his lip.
It was a sweet two minutes and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
On a different note, I was thinking of our daughter Melissa, who was born 40 years ago on this day. It is a day to note and remember the sacrifices made for our comfort and freedom by our veterans. It is also a day to celebrate our brown-eyed daughter, who delights to serve, who is kind, forgiving, compassionate and generous to a fault. She is also one of those people who is somewhat of a mystery to me.
Last year, she coaxed me outside on mornings to walk....something I very much needed. I loved going with her and her new little rambunctious puppy - an Australian Shepherd. I huffed and puffed and tried hard to keep up. Sometimes, just to let the puppy have the rein, and just to get her own heart rate up higher than resting, Melissa would literally run circles around me, and we would both laugh.
Well, she does that in almost every other way as well. She is looking after people and serving them long before I even know there is a need. She bustles around her kitchen making large meals for hordes of people while I am trying to make a cake. She has chauffeured kids and organized schedules and been out to exercise while I am still trying to decide how to order my day.
So today is a very special day to remember....remember so many people who sacrificed so much. And to remember one very special person who is one of my greatest blessings.
Happy Birthday Melissa!
p.s. Family Home Evening here.....Winter Root Vegetable Soup was a hit, as well as a Texas Sheet Cake. Hooray! Afterwards, they opted for a movie night....they chose "Sister Madsen's favorite movie: Galaxy Quest." They all seemed to genuinely enjoy it.
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