Just Had The Most Moving Experience

[jims-terrano]

Just come back from a tour of WW1 battlefields in France and Belgium. It was one of the most moving humbling experience that I have ever known. The tour being so short was limited in both time and locations but a totally amazing experience. Attended the ceremony of last post at Menim Gate in Ypres. To see the amount of names on monuments such as Menim and Tyne Cot brings it home to you and those are just a fraction of the poor soles lost. To see the graves of unknown soldiers just simply saying "known only unto god" is one of the saddest things that I have ever seen. The monument at Vimy Ridge is simply stunning, the land around the monument is still covered in crators and fenced off because it is so dangerous due to munitions.
Because I had gone across there with a group I was too because to think about it most of the time. It is only now that Im home and sat quietly that I can truly think about the trip and yes it is very emotional.

[briggie]

sounds like a very emotional event jim , wish I could have been there

[paulp]

I have done that trip with my mates for the last six years in November and Normandy D Day weekend for the last six.
It does not dilute the feelings of sorrow, joy and any other mixed feeling that I have.
When we visit Normandy, the number of old soldiers attending have dropped drastically.

as it is said "We will remember them"

Paulp

[jims-terrano]

Normandy maybe next year. I would like to go back and spend more time and see more of the memorials. It was fascinating and sad. Felt very proud of the young people we took at the menim gate ceremony. The memories will stay for a long time.

Too busy to look at photos as its my silver wedding today so a busy time.

[firebobby]

Normandy maybe next year. I would like to go back and spend more time and see more of the memorials. It was fascinating and sad. Felt very proud of the young people we took at the menim gate ceremony. The memories will stay for a long time.

Too busy to look at photos as its my silver wedding today so a busy time.

Youngsters need to know about this period in history and people like you Jim, are priceless, without you, many youngster would not have the chance to see these very important monuments and know what happened.
Well done mate :thumb2