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A Place For Random Thoughts

I have been watching the BBC programme World War One Remembered which focused mainly on Passchendaele and, as always, am somoved when thinking about what happened to so many brave men in that battle. My grandfather who died before I was born was gassed there, but survived and came home to live terribly incapacitated by the damage to his lungs. I hope we never forget them and that future generations continue to honour them.


Created By on 30/07/2017

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ecarg
19th Aug 2017 18:54:47
1
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A Place for Random Thoughts.
This title really appealed to me.Thinking at random I expected some weird and wonderful thoughts.

However very serious subjects were posted ,Passchendale ,News reporting re Bruce Forsyth.
Both featured on the BBC just shows they get it right and they get it wrong .

Anyway not managing to come up with a weird wonderful or witty random thoughts myself it's over to you all ,as I,m sure I,m not the only one who could do with a laugh or at least a slight smile.
ecarg
19th Aug 2017 15:13:16
1
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I agree news shouldn't be dominated by celebrities activities.I wasn't a fan of Bruce Forsyth either and a brief announcement at the end of the news surely would be enough.I'm sure there will be tribute shows in the future and those that are fans can watch these whilst those of us who are not watch something else or continue to chat on Silver Surfers.
Treehugger1 Original Poster
18th Aug 2017 23:51:15 (Last activity: 19th Aug 2017 14:50:48)
1
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I just wanted to have a bit of a rant about news reporting.

Today Bruce Forsyth died and this world shattering event was top of the news, before the awful terrorist attacks in Spain. Really? This was considered more important than other world events.
Dear oh dear who makes these ridiculous decisions. I'm sure there will be quite a few people who will be sad that he has passed (i'm not one of his fans) but surely even they would agree that this isn't more important than terrorism,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,or are we becoming numb to this now it's happening more often. I really hope not,
Response from CaroleAH made on 19th Aug 2017 14:50:48
I agree with you, Treehugger, and I think that many other people will also. I couldn't believe the amount of time which was given to Bruce Forsyth's death both on the radio and on the TV. Like you, I was not one of his fans, and to have to listen to all the eulogies whilst waiting for the important news of the day to be broadcast was infuriating. How can the deaths of fourteen innocent people and the horrific, no doubt, life-threatening injuries suffered by over a hundred more be less important than the peaceful death of an elderly entertainer who was surrounded by his loving family? I don't "get it" and sincerely hope that we are not becoming blasé about this terrorism in our midst.
CaroleAH
1st Aug 2017 00:08:21
3
Thanks for voting!
I also watched the programme, Treehugger, and was moved to tears when looking at the rows upon rows of graves at Tyne Cot - 11965 burials and 8369 were unnamed. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (www.cwgc.org) have worked continuously since their foundation in 1917 to mark the graves of those who died in WW1 and WW2. They look after the headstones and memorials in 23000 locations in 154 countries round the world. I have liaised with them recently as they started an initiative to put signs on the walls of churchyards saying "At this location there are Commonwealth War Graves" so that local people and visitors knew that there were War Graves there.. They also have a rota for each churchyard and come and clean the headstones and make sure that they are still safe and legible. My grandfather flew with the Royal Flying Corps during WW1 - fortunately not as a fighter pilot but ferrying personnel and supplies between England and France so he survived, thank goodness. I'm sure that as long as we have the CWGC and all their dedicated staff our war dead will continue to be remembered with pride.

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