Today I shall avoid much of the TV news and coverage of the Cenotaph. As my daughter observes, one glimpse of a Chelsea Pensioner and I'm in bits.
However, I shall steel myself to watch "They Shall Not Grow Old" - Peter Jackson's recoloured WWI footage. It is on BBC2 tonight at 9:30.
For those of you in the US, you can probably see it in 3 years time. Which seems appropriate. :P
Paul, Roy and I went to see this at the local theatre today, its very very powerful piece of work IMO.
Make sure you watch it fsn - you won't regret it. If they show the whole thing (there are lots of graphic scenes of wounded and dead and I mean graphic) its real no holds bar look at the First World War on the Western front from a British and "Empire" point of view.
The Imperial War Museum recorded taped interviews with many WW1 veterans in the mid 1960's and 120 of them were used in making the main part of the soundtrack film. 95% of the audience sat through all the credits and I was gobsmacked to see that my grandfather's interview was featured amongst those used in the film :o
Also confirmed that another gaming mate of ours, who we see very rarely these days, worked as a researcher/advisor on the film.
I am definitely getting a copy of this when it becomes available, though I would not in all honesty show it to the younger members of my family.
So even though its 100 years ago now I myself will certainly be remembering all those who took part, no matter who they were.
Will record it to watch as I recuperate from my op.
We have the village war memorial about 100 yards from my house. Each year on Remembrance Sunday they close the road in front of my house for the wreath laying service. Mrs Orce went today (I am working) and said it was a very moving service
We went along to Redcar Beach where they were taking part in a larger Danny Boyle art piece, with faces of local soldiers drawn into the sand, as well as outlines of fallen soldiers. I'll be watching the Peter Jackson film tonight, the clips I've seen of it look amazing.
(https://scontent.flhr2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46083234_10218295570160222_4020372616379367424_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr2-1.fna&oh=43934c472771d3aeaa4f03292b405587&oe=5C87FF6F)