Blood-Swept Lands and Seas of Red

THURSDAY

I felt a strong desire to attend the Armistice day commemoration at the Tower of London this past Tuesday 11.11.14. Not only to see the art exhibit of 888,246 ceramic poppies (which represent the number of British and Commonwealth citizens that lost their life in WWI) that had been planted in the moat around the tower but to be one to give thanks for soldiers both here and in the USA that have given their lives and service to keep us safe.

I sent the kids to school on the bus and I headed in the other direction on the tube to get to the Tower Bridge early on this day. The exodus from the station and the amount of people was overwhelming even this early in the morning.

The tower was a sight to behold with the red poppies creating a fantastic field of red. I followed the flow of people as we all tried to take it all in. I started at the far end of the tower on the road that leads over the London Tower Bridge. I stopped every few meters and took pictures and marveled at the sight but also reflected over the symbolism of all of these lives that were lost.

I walked further and got a great spot to see the ceremony that would start 1,5 hours later. I stood next to a lady who had a Help for Heroes jacket on and we had a great conversation while we were waiting for the ceremony to start.

More and more people were arriving during the next 1,5 hours. By the time the ceremony started with the planting of the last poppy by a 13 year old cadet, the people who came to see were standing 15-20 deep.

A 21 gun salute and the reading of the names of 200 who had lost their lives recently was a simple yet powerful way to remember these people. Then it was 11 am on the 11th of 11th month and it was time for two minutes of silence.

WOW. WOW. WOW.  Thousands of people at the Tower and millions in London stopped what they were doing and were silent. London was quiet. Everything just stopped and goosebumps appeared on my arms. I took the time to remember my grandfathers who served in World War 2 and to give thanks for my brother who served in the Army as an Airborne Ranger.

It was an unbelievable feeling to be there and experience these two minutes of reflection. It is something I will never forget.

Once the commemoration was completed everyone made their way towards the train stations in a slow and orderly fashion. SLOW was the keyword. It was quite tedious to shuffle forward one step at a time until we were away from the tower.

I walked and wandered around London until it was time to pick up the kids even getting there a bit late.

I am so glad I got to experience the full art installation and the ceremony to remember and thank all those servicemen and women that put their lives on the line for FREEDOM.

For this, I am truly grateful.