During the last two weeks or so, people all across Britain have been wear-
ing an artificial poppy in remembrance of those who died in Britain's wars
since the First World War. Members of the Royal British Legion offered
the bright red poppy as they collected funds for helping British war vet-
erans. The poppy only flowers in soil that has been disturbed and over-
turned. Death and devastation were all that soldiers in Flanders saw
from their muddy trenches during the horrendous fighting of the First
World War. The soldiers themselves were the only living things. But at
the first hint of warmer weather, the poppy sprang up! It became a sign
of hope and life amidst all the destruction and carnage of war. Last week
it seemed everybody I saw was wearing a bright red poppy.
In 1918, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,
four years of carnage and bloodshed of what we now refer to as the First
World War came to an end. Ever since that first Armistice Day, the hour,
the day, and the month have become a special time to remember those
killed during the First World War. After the Second World War, Novem-
ber 11 became Remembrance Day in Britain and Canada. It was a day to
remember all those who were killed during the two World Wars and other
conflicts. In the USA, it has become known as Veterans Day when all mil-
itary veterans are recognized.
Last Thursday, November 11, I was in St. Andrews to visit a good friend
who is minister at one of the churches there. He also served as a chap-
lain with the Royal Marines, a military group that is very similar to the
US Special Forces. Around 11 my friend led a short Service of Remem-
brance in the church garden. Right at 11:00 there were two minutes of
silence, followed by his playing the bagpipes. Then he recited the fourth
stanza of the poem 'For the Fallen' by Laurence Binyon:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Today is Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday closest to November 11.
This morning, there were Remembrance services at war memorials
and churches throughout Britain. I attended one at the War Memorial
here in Cupar at 10:30 this morning. A good sized crowd gathered de-
spite the cold rain. Cupar, like most communities in Britain, was devas-
tated by the loss of sons and daughters in the two World Wars, especi-
ally the First World War. Each town and village has a war memorial with
marble tablets engraved with the names of the fallen. The lists for those
killed in the First World War are usually much longer than those for the
Second.
Military cadets from the schools around Cupar stood in formation before
the war memorial. We sang 'The Lord's My Shepherd'. Then Scripture
was read by two of the four ministers in town. A bugler played the'Last
Post' to introduce the two minute silence. The silence was broken by
another bugler playing 'Reveille'. A minister then led us in a time of prayer
before a veteran recited the poem 'For the Fallen'. Wreaths were laid be-
side the memorial by families, clubs, and societies. The service ended with
everybody singing 'God Save Our Gracious Queen!' It was a very moving
service for me and many others. We do remember them!
At 11:30 I attended another Remembrance Service at Cupar Old Parish
Church where I served as assistant minister last year. Again there were
two minutes of silence followed by the poem 'For the Fallen'. Wreaths
were placed at the marble tablet of names of church members who were
killed in both World Wars. The list of names was much longer for the First
than for the Second. The service again ended with the singing of the na-
tional anthem, 'God Save Our Gracious Queen!'
Today is the eighth Remembrance Sunday in which I have participated.
I am struck by how much Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday
are woven into the very fabric of the British soul. Several British Chris-
tians I have talked to are concerned about what they consider the unholy
alliance between the British military and the Church. They fear that the
Church is being used to justify British involvment in Iraq and Afghan-
istan. At this point in time, I do not desire to state my position. I am
aware of how American I am and how I must listen more and speak less.
I have been seeking opportunities to learn more about the First World
War. All this week I have been watching BBC programs on the Great War.
It was horrendous. So, I have been wearing my poppy and participating
in events of remembrance. We will remember them!
Blessings to you and yours,
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