It was an honour to lay a wreath at the Caterham on the Hill war memorial today. Thank you to everyone who took part. As the years go on, we will lose the nation’s living memories of both World Wars, but we will never forget the sacrifices that were made by so many for our freedom.
Reverend Canon Trevor gave a beautiful service at St Mary’s afterwards, where he reminded us of the poet Wilfred Owen’s words.
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.
