D-Day
Yesterday was the 60th anniversary of D-Day, and the BBC had a fair bit of coverage of the ceremonies in Normandy, documentaries and so on. I’m no fan of war of any kind (past, present or future), but I have a great deal of respect for the people involved in the Second World War. The veterans areâas a general ruleâextremely modest and self-effacing people, and yet they did an unbelievably difficult job, for which we owe a debt of gratitude. Watching them marching past the Queen in the final parade was incredibly moving. Even though most are in their 80s at least, and many walk with the aid of a stick, all straightened their backs as soon as they heard the band strike up, held their heads high and marched in step. One veteran who caught my eye (mainly because he waved cheerily at the Queen as he passed by) was dressed in a monastic habit1, festooned with medals. I’m sure that after everything the soldiers witnessed, life in a monastery would seem like a very attractive option. I really hope he found some peace for himself after winning peace for everyone else. I’m also no monarchist, but I thought the Queen treated them in a very respectful and sensitive way, and also gave what wasâfor herâand extremely personal speech of thanks.
