if you wait a bit and move the white bar thingy to 15:30 you
will get to hear this:
READING: AL MAITLAND "THE HOMECOMING"Duration: 00:10:54Tonight, as we approach Remembrance Day, we bring you a story of war -- not the battle, but the end of it.
Here is former As It Happens host Alan Maitland reading "The Homecoming." It was written by a veteran of the Second World War named Bert Harper. And "Fireside Al" first read it on this program in 1992.
i imagine my uncle allister, who flew a spitfire in ww2
coming home to new glasgow, nova scotia
by train from halifax to the station his dad was station master of.
thanks nat :flowers: and everyone who posted .
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 08:00 AM
Natalka
I just love hearing Maitland doing that reading - heard it on As It Happens a few days ago.
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 08:13 AM
Natalka
In early 1915, a year before the famous battle of the Somme, the Newfoundland Regiment was sent to Egypt on its way to its very first commitment in the theatre of war, Gallipoli.
The Newfoundland Regiment landed at Suvla Bay on the Gallipoli peninsula on the night of September 19th 1915 in order to reinforce the hard-pressed British 88th Brigade of the 29th Division.
Toward the end of the Gallipoli Campaign the “Newfoundlanders”, as they were called, were given the job of holding the Turkish forces.
The Newfoundland Regiment alone has the distinction of having fought at Gallipoli. No military units, from what was Canada back then, made it to the Dardanelles.
Now when I was a young man and I carried my pack
and I lived the free life of the rover
From the Murray's green basin to the dusty out back
I waltzed my Matilda all over.
Then in 1915 my country said "Son
It's time to stop rambling, there's work to be done"
And they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun
And they sent me away to the war...
..And the band played Waltzing Matilda
As the ships pulled away from the quay
And amid all the tears, waving and cheers
We sailed off to Galipolli
And the band played Waltzing Matilda
And the old men still answer the call
But year after year, the numbers get fewer
Some day none will march there at all
(The actual words about going "waltzing matilda" mean having the freedom to come and go as one pleases. Swagmen would toss their swag (matilda) onto their back and go wandering, not subject to anyone's authority.)
i hope everyone remembers to pause and remember those who have been lost, those who survived and those who continue to serve.
god bless them.
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 09:19 AM
MrsSunshine
I will remember at 11 those who fought and won and lost, i will remember our very dear friend who gave his life selflessly for our country and I will remember how very lucky I am to still have my Dad here. although he has long been a veteran he now endures daily the hardships of PTSD. Not a day goes by he doesn't 'remember' them. Every time another one is lost.. he cries. to see a 6ft grown man weeping for a lost soldier he never knew is something I will never forget but be appreciative for. Although he is in Ottawa this week and will stand proudly im sure in full regalia on the square there. he will be close in my heart. I will post (very briefly DO NOT quote pic) a pic of my Dad. you will not see his face, due to privacy. however this pic for me says it all. http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/h...g?t=1321021249
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 09:21 AM
Natalka
Mrs. Sunshine - I am very thankful for your dad's service, as well as that of all the other very brave men and women -
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 09:23 AM
MrsSunshine
thank you. that means alot.
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 09:24 AM
erin9mmm
I will be going to the service being held at our town's cenotaph. I lost my grandfather this past summer and so this year especially I feel the need to be there to remember.
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 09:33 AM
Natalka
1 Attachment(s)
I cannot get out to get to our city's service (the biggest indoor one in Canada!), but we will watch the events from Ottawa on tv - it's always a very moving tribute.
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 09:44 AM
heartgirl99
i don't think it's too late to make a donation to sunnybrook's raise a F-l-a-g campaign:
When I was in high school in the early '70s, it was pretty common to have this song at our school Remembrance Day program - didn't know til today that it came from a John Wayne movie...
Fighting soldiers from the sky
fearless men who jump and die
men who mean just what they say
the brave men of the Green Beret
Silver wings upon their chest
these are men Americas best
one hundred men will test today but
only three win the Green Beret
trained to live off natures land
trained in combat hand to hand
men who fight by night and day
courage take from the Green Beret
(Choris)
Silver wings upon their chest
these are men Americas best
one hundred men will test today
but only three win the Green Beret
Back at home a young wife waits
her Green Beret has met his fate
he has died for those oppressed
leaving her this last request
put silver wings on my sons chest
make him one of Americas best
he'll be a man they'll test one day
have him win the Green Beret
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 10:09 AM
Brandy Hunter
Hit too close to home, but great song.
Fri, Nov 11th, 2011, 10:15 AM
Patty Smyth
The history of Canadian conflicts. Whether or not we agree there are people braver than us who went out and fought for us. We remember them and for those who are still out there we wish you a safe return.