h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Now I have to say that there have been times in your life when you would have been vying for the person least likely to be found standing under the balcony at Buck Palace cheering their Royal Majesties award. But there, this Sunday, you were, although luckily you can use the excuse that you were honnoring the WW2 veterans. As long as you don't mention the fact that you really only got there for the Royal progress and balcony visit.

And it was the oddest sensation. You read about/ see endless footage of people standing under the Royal Balcony feeling terribly proud and excieted and all that, and when you actually do it there actually _is_ this feeling of tradition and associated good will towards the tiny figures beaming down from above. It's absolutely horrifying. You must sit in a darkened room and purge your mind through rigourous fasting and meditation from the creeping sickness of patriotism and flag waving. Thank goddness you didn't have a flag. You would definitely have been waving it entusiastically.

They played 'Rule Britania' (You taught B the words. He rolled his eyes) and 'Land of hope...', although this might have had something to do with the concert they'd been having for the Veterans, so ok. But you weren't so far gone that you didn't find them playing dam busters as the planes flew over exquisitely funny.

Likewise that the women standing near us (in suitably WW2 stylee uniforms) came from an organisation called 'FANY'.

Anyway, after that a bit of wondering around allowed B his fill of medals. And at least you can say that the biggest cheer of the parade was definitely reserved for the veterans.