dknelson I am old enough (62) to remember marching in Memorial Day parades as a cub scout and marching with us were WWI vets -- and riding in open cars were older men who served in the Spanish American War. When I mentioned that to my dad he recollected that as a cub scout and Boy Scout he marched with Civil War vets. And some of those guys in turn likely recollected neighbors or relatives who served in the War of 1812. We are not that old a country. Dave Nelson
I am old enough (62) to remember marching in Memorial Day parades as a cub scout and marching with us were WWI vets -- and riding in open cars were older men who served in the Spanish American War. When I mentioned that to my dad he recollected that as a cub scout and Boy Scout he marched with Civil War vets. And some of those guys in turn likely recollected neighbors or relatives who served in the War of 1812. We are not that old a country.
Dave Nelson
Dave, at least around here, the schools still do. They each hold a Veteran's Day service/meal/ceremony for vets. And today our Scout Troop performed a Flag Retirement for one of the local schools with Color Guard by the local MCJROTC. Only a few of them even old enough to drive.
These kids don't make the news. But they are there. The chain is still unbroken.
Anything that encourages honoring Veterans Day is to be encouraged. I know my public schools through high school always did. Doubtful if they do as much today. How I wish now that as a boy I had pumped the various older neighbors who had served in WWI for stories and information before they passed on. But one neighbor did take me down to the local creek to show me where as a young man he had added the initials "AEF" (American Expeditionary Force) to some fresh concrete when he returned from the Great War.
There are several films produced by British railroads about their service during World War 2 on You Tube. Search for Railway Videos and they should show up.
For those interested in British railways, or about railways during wartime in general, I've posted an article on my blog about British railways during WW II as part of my Week of Remembrance series about railways and war.
On Remembrance/Veteran's Day, we remember those who fought and died in war. But during WW II the German air force targetted the railways specifically, meaning that railway workers worked under combat conditions.
Of the men and women of British railways who endured the bombing, Winston Churchill said: "Results such as the railways have achieved are only won by blood and sweat. I express gratitude to every railwayman who has participated in this great transport effort contributing so largely to final victory."
Find the post and links to other sources of info (including a BBC documentary about British railways at war) at http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.ca/2014/11/week-of-remembrance-britains-railways.html
John Longhurst, Winnipeg