Remembrance and a reunion rich in memories

THEY shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old; age shall not weary them, or the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

- Hilton Dawson

English poet Laurence Binyon

Spoken, just before 11am today, in every town and village, on thousands of lips, on this the 11th day of the 11th month, of this year 2025.

The words from ‘For the Fallen’ written in 1914 by Laurence Binyon, are so well known, yet somehow discomforting.

They certainly prickle down my back, speaking directly to all of us, reminding each of us of what another poet called ‘the forlorn rags of growing old’

Then they call us to attention, ‘we will remember them!

Ages ago, I passed by Laurence Binyon’s house at 1 High Street, Lancaster, very regularly, usually on my way to Labour Party meetings in the nearby Trades Hall.

I recall that I almost always paused to read the plaque recording his birthplace.

Last Sunday afternoon, there was a quite magnificent Remembrance Service in Bedlington.

Looking around, it seemed as if the whole town had turned out, lining the streets, finding good vantage points for a lengthy parade, delightfully full of young people.

Then those all-familiar, utterly moving moments by the War Memorial.

I was privileged to be in the company of some local residents, born thousands of miles from Bedlington and to view and take part in such familiar events through their eyes.