Two global stories have been consistently in the press over the last few weeks; the first being the extraordinarily vivid poppy commemoration of the First World War around the Tower of London, capturing our imagination and hearts; the second being the current tragedy for millions of people in Syria.
Like many other people, we have helped raise money to support soldiers, and their families today both to remember those who have died, and to support those who live. Like many others we have raised money as well for those charities working to give any aid they can to the desperate, to the injured, to the burnt, and disfigured people, women, men, and children like us but caught up in the Syrian civil war.
Poetry and letters from the First World War brings us to tears, films try to communicate the suffering, yet still, there it is again.
Highclere tried to bring together the ideas of courage and kindness, fortitude and suffering last August and look at it from not just our point of view but other’s people’s stories too. Please have a look through the centenary stories on the web site, read the stark telegrams conveying the worst news. The same black and white words are there today and the same sentiments for those who are feel abandoned as “strangers and afraid in a world they never made”. It is getting colder in Lebanon and there is little shelter or food.
Remembrance Sunday at Highclere church is one of my favourite services, the moments of silence, the prayers for others, the hymns. Perhaps we are fortunate because we have the time to look back with compassion and respect for our ancestors and thereby live with more compassion and kindness today.
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Where can we donate money to help the people of Syria. I read lately that many are dying trying to escape the brutal conditions of Syria and that many are dying in the Mediterranean sea while trying to emigrate.to other countries. I am not acquainted with reliable charities in that region.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Jaffe
What a wonderful post…. and we remember the brave men and women in our hearts on this side of the “pond”, too….
My husband and I were at Highclere for the weekend events in August as the grand prize winners of the PBS sweepstakes. The proms concert was very special to me as I was born and raised in England but I never had the opportunity to attend a proms concert and sing along with the traditional songs. The events at Heroes at Highclere Day, especially the service, were emotional and brought back memories while singing the hymns we used to sing in school.
I bought a beautiful poppy necklace from the gift shop at Highclere which I wore proudly on Rememberance Sunday here in America. I could not find a poppy to buy anywhere over here. The Veterans used to sell them but not anymore. I shall treasure my necklace and also the poppy I ordered from the Tower of London.
Lady Carnarvon, it was indeed a pleasure to meet you outside the front door before we went inside for brunch.
The whole weekend was wonderful. Thank you for sharing your home with us.
Thank you Lady Carnarvon. These words are the words I needed to remember that despite a bad day I am having, I have to relate to people out there that have or are suffering more than me. May these heroes always be in our memories. Thank you for this blog post, it made my day. Have a nice day.
I was so shocked to see all the poppy’s round the moat of the Tower of London, it was very sad to see what we Humans have done to each other in that time 100 years ago & is still shocking that we humans are still doing to each other today.. But unlike 100 years ago we are doing great things for our armed forces who keep us safe. I was so proud to take part in Heroes at Highclere in August.. I spent Remembrance Sunday at a little church in hampshire paying tribute to the many who gave so much in both WW’s & other wars since.. Your Blog Lady Carnarvon very well written with some great photos.
Paul
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We saw the poppy tribute-memorial on television, and it was one of the most poignant sights I’ve ever beheld–just so incredibly moving. I had two grandfathers who fought in WWI, a great uncle who was at Pearl Harbor during the attack, and an uncle wounded at Iwo Jima. For ten years I served as executive director for the world’s largest airport USO, here in St. Louis, Missouri, where I live. We served approximately 800 military personnel and their families daily during my tenure. So I have a very tender place in my heart for all military everywhere. How special that you and your family at Highclere honor those who sacrificed so much for freedom. I’m sorry I couldn’t locate the centenary stories at the website. I’m likely not looking in the right place. Thank you so much for sharing.
Sincerely
Lynn Morrissey
On the front page of the web site there are 4 boxes at the bottom of the screen and one of them is it!! The story starts with the assasination we know about – but from their children’s point of view – they are the first orphans, the first refugees…
The ceramic poppies at the Tower of London were breathtaking! It was sobering to know that each one represented a life lost. A beautiful tribute to the fallen.