July 1st 2025 was a hot, sunny day. Just like that fateful July 1st 109 years ago.
But this time, there was no massive explosion and when the whistles sounded, there were no men climbing out of their trenches and over their parapets to venture into No Man’s Land.
Today, there were no enemies. Only friends, who came together to remember, to honour, to reflect and perhaps to pray.
Despite the burning sun, the Ceremony was grave and solemn. The pipes sending a shiver down the spines of all. The plaintive sound of the bugle playing “The Last Post”, The silent and respcctful wreathlaying by dignitaries and other attendants alike.
And while the soldiers and the nurses endured the heat, standing motionless in their heavy uniforms, the standardbearers brought hommage with their flags.
Overhead the distinctive and recognizable sound of the WW1 replica of an airplane could be heard.
The crowd dispersed silently. To reconvene next year, paying the same respects and hoping that one day we will be gathered round the Lochnagar Cross to conclude that wars are ended.
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