Shawn L. Bird

As a kid, I’d go each year to the cenotaph with my dad to remember his friends who were killed in the war.  What a powerful thing.

At our school assembly this year, I was brought to tears by the class who as they were leaving, went up to the vet who’d been our special speaker and shook his hand.  Every kid.  The next class wanted to as well.  The kids forged a connection to the veteran, and the veteran was  so astonished and so happy I am sure he’ll be sharing the story for years.

I’m so thankful that my former student Drew came home from Afghanistan.  I tensed every time they came on the news to report another casualty.  Not all friends and families were so lucky.

Every year I like to spend some time with the Eric Bogle tune Green Fields of France.  I usually play it on my harp, singing the words rather tearfully every Nov 11.  Have a listen:

If you value your freedom, thank a veteran.  They’re the ones who bought it for you.