"to those who died in Flanders Fields and are buried forever in Flemish soil"

This morning at 11.00am I was in Ypres to watch the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Ceremony.

It was so busy that we were not able to get anywhere near to the main Ceremony taking place at the Menin Gate memorial. So we watched the parade march past in the City square outside the Cathedral and the service on the large TV screen.

It was simple, beautiful occasion during which I think everyone who took part was deeply moved. There were many thousands present from all parts of Britain, Ireland and the Commonwealth.

There were a number of poignant moments to note but the one that moved me the most was the joint wreath laying by the German and British Ambassadors to Belgian, while side by side.   Afterwards we walked along the City Wall Embankments to Lille Gate and the tiny war cemetery which is just incredibly sad but also in a stunning location. Please one day visit it. 

Ypres Remembrance weekend 2012

This weekend I am in Ypres, Belgian visiting some of the First World War Battle sites, museums and cemeteries.

Picture is of the war graves at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. It is at the site of a former hospital and with nearly 11,000 graves is the 2nd biggest British and Commonwealth cemetery in Belgian.

It is incredibly emotional and moving to walk along the rows and rows of graves.

The vast majority of the dead were so young.  Their surnames remind us of friends and work colleagues. They are from every class, every part of the UK and every part of the Commonwealth. A few have their photos from real life smiling laid alongside. Gravestones of German soliders now lay side by side their former enemies.   There are red poppy wreaths on some graves from UK primary school children who came from the same towns and villages as the fallen and came to show their respect.

In the picture to my left is Rob Frisby my brother-in-law (ex-RAF), to the right his son Matthew and in the middle, Matthew's friend from his high school days, Ashley. Tomorrow we hope to visit Battlefield sites and Menin Gate.

Remembrance Sunday - the forgotten sacrifice of people of muslim faith

8% of the Hyndburn and
probably Haslingden is of Muslim faith according to the census. This
Remembrance Sunday I'd like to think in the tributes made, we