Date: 2025-07-04 Page is: DBtxt003.php txt00028561
UK ... TRADITION
REMEMBRANCE ,,, 11TH HOUR / 11TH DAY / 11TH MONTH
THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF END OF WORLD WAR II
REMEMBRANCE ,,, 11TH HOUR / 11TH DAY / 11TH MONTH
THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF END OF WORLD WAR II
Original article: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/distribution/Reveille.pdf
Peter Burgess COMMENTARY
This is a collection of elements that are related to the memory of the fallen in World War I, World War II amd more recent deployments.
I am always aware that I did not serve in the military. I was not 'required' to do 'National Service' as an 19 year old in the UK because I was just 8 days 'too young'.
When I migrated to the USA as a 28 year old, I had to register for the 'draft' but did not get called up. If I had been 'drafted' I had a reaonable expectation that I would have been assigned a 'book-keeping role' rather than frontline fighting!. But, as it turned out the US military didn't need me!
Fast forward, during my career, I worked in a lot of problematic places but in a civilian role. Several times, I called on the local US Embassy to make sure I was 'safe' ... ready to call in the US military if that was what was needed.
I recall back in 1975, rhe US Ambassador in Nigeria who knew me quite well advising me during a military coup in 1975 that if I wanted military protection while I was in Nigeria, I had better call the British Royal Marines because they would likely arrive months before any US forces would deploy.
What is thought provoking and very sad, is that violent confrontation between nation states in more and bigger now than it was several decades ago. This trajectory has to change!
My position is that we owe it to those who gave it all so that we have a future to do what is right. I was a 'toddler' living in Surbiton near London during the 'blitz' of WWII. My father was a schoolmaster who also was responsible for the school sports ... rugby and cricket. When these students left school during the war they immediately went into the military. More than half these boys did not survive the war ... especially the boys that had been good at school sports!
That was a long time ago ... more than 80 years ... but what is going on in Ukraine reminds me of my early childhood and the true horrors of war.
Why is there so much violence and war? Why is 'peace' so difficult?
Peter Burgess
Written by Jenny Chatfield ·
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we remember all those who have fallen.
It is also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day.
In my youth all the traffic would come to a halt and we would stand with our heads bowed for 2 minutes in remembrance.
The main remembrance service is held on the nearest Sunday to 11th November at the Cenotaph, Whitehall, London. Veterans, serving military personnel, politicians and royals attend. and lay wreaths of poppies on the base of the Cenotaph.
Nearly every town and village in the UK has a memorial to the fallen and poppies are laid at their base.
The term poppy day comes from a poem written by Lt.Col. John D McCrae. The constant shelling of the ground caused poppy seeds to rise to the surface where they grew and their red flowers were often the only thing of colour.
Here is the poem:
In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47380/in-flanders-fields
King Charles
King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Harry
King George and the senior Royals paying respect
at the Cenotaph in London in November 2024
Reveille, Retreat, and Taps
Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna continues the long standing military tradition playing reveille, retreat, and taps over the broadcast system.
Each ceremony is firmly rooted in military history and provides an opportunity to show respect to the U.S. flag, country and fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines from the past and present who have served their country.
Below is the expected protocol on paying proper respect during these ceremonial calls.
Reveille: 7 A.M.‐ The morning bugle call, known as Reveille, was originally conducted as 'Troop' in 1812 and was designed to muster the unit or for roll call, but as time passed it came to mark when the flag was raised in the morning and honors paid to it.
Retreat: 5 P.M. ‐ At the end of the work day, Retreat will sound. Retreat is traditionally a time to secure the flag and pay respect to what it stands for.
During Reveille and Retreat, those out‐doors should stop activities, and turn in the direction of the installation Flag (located at the corner of J Ave. & Mifflin Ave.) and/or direction of the music. Drivers operating a vehicle render respect by safely stopping their vehicle until the music is complete. Exiting your vehicle is not required. Access‐control points shall also stop vehicular traffic. Those in Uniform shall salute the flag and/or in the direction of the music.
Taps: 9 P.M. ‐ Taps is a signal of the end of the day, and is played alone to honor service members who paid the ultimate price.
For these purposes, there are no formal protocol procedures required. During all ceremonies involving the National Anthem and/or hoisting, lowering or passing of the flag, members of the military and veterans who are present but not in uniform may now render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform, according to Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code as approved in the Defense Authorization Acts of 2008 and 2009.
While the sound of the bugle may stop us momentarily from what we are doing, the tradition and honor that accompanies the music deserve a moment of our time. When you hear the music, try to remember our veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Questions can be directed to the Public Affairs Office at 717‐770‐3105.
Original article: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/distribution/Reveille.pdf