Old soldier John Roach has turned his hand to poetry to help Hingham remember not just those who made the ultimate sacrifice in two world wars - but today's young servicemen and women who are risking their lives on foreign battlefields today.
Old soldier John Roach has turned his hand to poetry to help Hingham remember not just those who made the ultimate sacrifice in two world wars - but today's young servicemen and women who are risking their lives on foreign battlefields today.
Mr Roach, chairman of the Hingham branch of the Royal British Legion, wrote A Nation's Prayer, printed below, to go with the annual Remembrance Day display in a sweetshop window in his home village.
“We always remember everybody and everything from so long ago, but these lads are still out there today and we must remember them as well,” said Mr Roach, whose own son is a marine who has seen service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A Nation's Prayer
Full four score and ten years the guns ceased to roar.
The world thought of peace and an end to all war;
Yet today men and women are answering the call
As their forefathers did, prepared to give all.
From the wild Afghan hills and hot sands of Iraq
We fervently pray that our young folk come back
Safe to their loved ones who await here on our shores
Having done with the need to fight foreign wars.
Their forefathers fought in foreign lands too:
Many gave of their days for me and for you.
We are asked through the years at this time to recall
The sacrifice made by those who gave all.
So think also, in your homes safe and warm,
Of the young people now fighting to keep us from harm.
Keep them in your hearts this day in November.
Pray God keep them safe.
REMEMBER, REMEMBER.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here