Remembrance Day

This morning in our local town of Dereham, there was a British Legion parade to the war memorial, to show respect and remembrance to the soldiers who have fallen in many wars. Ever since we have lived in Norfolk, Julie and I have played our part by arranging a light lunch after the ceremony. We used to to this in Julie’s workplace, the local bank, but she has moved from that branch now, so we found another venue.

The Meeting Point is a community resource, used for many meetings and occasions, as well as celebrations. We were kindly offered the use of the main room and serving kitchen, free of charge. From her own funds, Julie buys the makings of a ham and cheese ploughman’s lunch, as well as cakes, tea and coffee, and fruit juice. In previous years, we have had as many as forty attendees, including some local armed services personnel, the town Mayor, and the local Vicar too.

This year, numbers were down. Some of the old soldiers have sadly passed away, and others were too ill to come along. But we were up and about early, driving to the Meeting Point to prepare the lunch, and lay out the room. Everyone started to arrive just after 11:15, and as Julie busied herself with serving the food, I took charge of drinks through the serving hatch. It all went very well, and everyone who attended was most appreciative. One made a short speech thanking us both, and Julie was presented with an attractive bunch of flowers. After they had left, we cleared up and tidied the hall, ready for the next event.

Neither of us have ever been in the armed forces, but both our fathers served in WW2.
Once a year, for a few hours, and a little money spent, we think it is the least we can do.