At the going down of the sun...

... and in the morning, we shall remember them.

Thursday 11th November 2010

Yes, the layout is a little different today. I wanted to mark Armistice Day . It has been 92 years since the end of World War I and that's why we remember this date. But it's not just about the soldiers that were killed the the 'Great' Wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 but all those that have been killed in conflicts since, most recently in Afghanistan and Iraq. And not just remembering those who have died, but also those that are still our there fighting. And whether we agree with these wars or not, it does not change that fact that these hundreds of young men are doing their jobs, far from home, in conditions that we should never have to face. Today is a day to honour them.

So in that vein I'll do my 'Quote of the Day' first, with one of my favourite poems:

I Did Not Die

Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn’s rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.

I am not there. I did not die.

Today's photo is not connected to Armistice Day however. It is showing two things that happened to me today that I want to remember. Firstly - I finished my XML Project and have printed it off, looking good. It will be the first essay I have handed in in over a year! The second thing that happened was I received a very special package today from HBO America. I put a photo of me in my Halloween costume up on the True Blood Facebook group and not only was I featured in one of their official albums they have also sent me a copy of the Volume 2 soundtrack cd! Happiness!!!

I've spent the day listening to the BFBS radio station. This morning's show was being broadcast live from Afghanistan. It was lovely in some ways to hear what troops were getting up to as well as reminding me of good memories from being a 'Forces Brat'. I grew up listening to this radio station so it's nice I can still listen to it online.

I also found out today that one of my American friends who is in the... marines I think, is being deployed to Iraq. Hmm...

Training was cancelled this evening as the martial arts room at the university had flooded so just heading pub-wards instead!