Once again, the Tanglin Signalers decided it was time to go AWOL, and the Rememberance Weekend in London was top of the list. We managed to get tickets for the Parade on Sunday morning and also for the Matinee servoce at the Royal Albert Hall. ! We all cried buckets, as the programme was so emotional. We all fell in love with the dear old Chelsea Pensioners.
Sunday morning sa us all up at the crack of dawn to get Horseguards in good time, and we were not disapointed. The sparkling medals were gleaming all over the place, and chaps were more than ready to tell us their war stories.
Thanks to the Salvation Army we were able to have a welcome hot cuppa. Finally, at the far end of Whitehall, the order came to march off.
When we passed the massed bands at the Cenotaph, we were all in unison with the help of Sue Westlake's quiet voice
"Left, right, left, right", and another retired officer just behind me doing the same thing. Major Mac was leading out in front-something special happened-We were all those young girls, once again in harmony, enjoying every moment of the parade, on a crisp cold November morning-leaves falling from the trees all around us.
Many things will stay in our memory from that day-the lovely smart Gurkhas, the sense of comradeship and pride.
All the smart ex-servicemen and women who cheered, clapped and shouted encouragement on Horseguards parade before the march off. Then on our return when we were marched along the parade ground in front of them all. It was a wonderful and overwhelming end to the parade.
Of course we know that our ATS sisters have done this wonderful parade many times, but sadly their numbers are dwindling due to health and age. It is up to us now to swell the ranks and pay our respects to those men and women who gave their all for our freedom. Will you be there next year?
YES, WE DO REMEMBER THEM |
