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

I went to the rememberance service and parade in town today.

I've been going ever since I can remember, I used to go with my Grandad, he was a gunner on a tank during the second world war, we always went together and always laid a wreath at the cenetaph (sorry if thats spelt wrong).

This is the second year that I've been without him, and it's kind of strange, a lot of his friends are still there and I walk with them at the back of the parade.

As I was walking along today I was thinking about my grandads medals. I couldn't remember what he'd got them for, I know he must have told me at one time probably when I was younger, but my memory failed me today.

So to the point of this journal:
Please try to remember these men who gave their lives so you could be free.

It seems your Remembrance falls close to our Veterans Day, which was Friday. It is certainly a good way to be reminded of the sacrifices so many have made for our lives and freedoms.

Rememberance day is the 11th, but there are always parades and services on the nearest sunday

Oh then it is with our Veterans Day.. somehow it seems nicer when both countries are honoring those who fought at the same time.

My father and several of my uncles were WWII veterans.

Diva dog and I were walking on the greenway this morning.. we stopped by out special quiet place and sent wishes on the stream to Tuc and Snowy.

*Salutes*

*sigh*

I miss the pair of them

I once put money in the collecting box of a ex soldier of the Burma Star association, he asked me if I knew what the Burma star was for, I said, it was given to members who served and suffered in Burma, he congratulated me on my knowledge as he'd asked the same question to nearly everyone and only a handful of people in my generation and later knew.

One of my mum's uncles served in Burma and had survived in the Jungle for a while, he had to be 'Rehabilitated' back into civilised society

I think medals are for the most part a mystry to people who have not served or known anyone who has served in the armed forces, I know you certainly don't learn about them at school

I look at my own medals, and then see the seriously earned ones on our few surviving Veterans. There is no comparison.

Both of us having given some number of years for our country, milady and I always honour Rememberance Day ...

PS: Her grandfather was a fine liar. He lied about being older and seerved in WWI. Then again, but in reverse, and served in WWII. We ALL have our family and history, friend.

Cal,

In Australia, a relative can write to the War Museum in Canberrra for a copy of the military records - is there a place like that where you are?

If you have the medals it would be a wonderful thing to have a copy of the relevant citations with them - a real familt heirloom to pass on with the history along with them, and a great way for future generations to remember your grandfather.

It may also ensure that, in the future, no one will just "dispose" of the medals because they don't understand what they stand for.

*s Cal*

There has to be- you can do that in the US, too.

There probably is, I never thought about it until Sunday


s Jack

How about this?
http://www.mod.uk/contacts/army_records.htm