On 8 Nov 2008 at 3:20pm The Tooth Fairy wrote:
Is the War Memorial the correct place for reaths etc. commemorating non service personel? Looking at the bonfire reaths the other day I noticed one for Paul (obviously) and a couple tagged on to the Waterloo one. Now, my cold heart does occasionaly beat luke warm, but I feel that the War Memorial should be for those killed while serving this country, what it was built for. Does using it for other purposes devalue the sacrifice of the fallen? I know half of the bonfire boys like to wear a knocked up/military surplus uniform, but that doesn't really count.
On 8 Nov 2008 at 3:27pm Enoch wrote:
I fully agree it is for the rememberance of those who have died in war only.
On 8 Nov 2008 at 3:43pm river boy wrote:
i agree also
On 8 Nov 2008 at 3:50pm An Economist wrote:
I agree with TTF, with the qualification that to my mind the War Memorial is there to honour not only those who have died in battle, but those who fought bravely for our country and survived. I would include my grandfather in the latter category. I will certainly be thinking of him, and the horrors he endured, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.
On 8 Nov 2008 at 4:55pm Kitchener wrote:
To my mind the term 'war memorial' is perhaps nowadays a bit of a misnomer.
I guess it is a convenient place to 'remember' those not with us now.
Commemorating non-service personnel is tricky as member of the RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) are technically not members of the armed forces but are deployed to war zones/active service zones. Also, for example, Afghanistan is not considered a war (hence the award of George Cross medals instead of VC's for acts of heroic bravery) but that shouldn't make the sacrifice any less worthy.
I think as long as we don't go down the route of allowing those awful white poppies to appear on there it's okay, although I do think there are better ways to commemorate lost Bonfire Boyes than a wreath on the Memorial. It does raise the question of should the Martyrs have a wreath as well. Personally I think not.
The one thing that really gets my goat is people that wear a military uniform (yes, I have a couple) but with medals/awards that they have not earnt/have no right to wear.
On 8 Nov 2008 at 9:03pm Thomas Paine wrote:
Tooth Fairy - couldn't agree more. Dilutes the message to disappear into the background hominy grits otherwise.
On 8 Nov 2008 at 9:20pm The Tooth Fairy wrote:
Blimey, almost total support. What ever next? Maybe I'll be able to spell 'wreaths' correctly!
On 8 Nov 2008 at 9:57pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
Agree that War Memorial is just that - a WAR memorial.
However, there does not appear to be a central place for other public/notable figures
On 9 Nov 2008 at 12:23pm Cliffebimbo wrote:
Why not do what the Cliffe do, and have at tribute in the procession, in the form of their names in a fiery piece? Surprised Waterloo haven't done this already.
On 9 Nov 2008 at 12:35pm Another voice wrote:
Oh yeah, let's all do what Cliffe do so ner
On 9 Nov 2008 at 9:38pm Cliffebimbo wrote:
So it's not a good idea then, Another voice? What do you suggest the societies do to honour their members who have died in the year?
On 10 Nov 2008 at 10:03am Musher wrote:
It is a good idea but I think it's important that each society has it's own traditions and doesn't automatically copy the others.
How about laying a wreath after bonfire prayers at the end of the night?
On 10 Nov 2008 at 7:35pm Banger in a Bottle wrote:
So for Rob did you have a model of a long haired fat bloke (like most of the cliffe)?
On 10 Nov 2008 at 8:14pm CBS wrote:
Most amusing BiaB, very droll. Offensive, but droll.
Rob was given a suitable send off, attended by friends from all Societies. Friends for whom bonfire kinship transcends the petty bickering of some 'bonfire' people. Much as Paul was sent on his way by friends of all Societies.