Each year, The Royal British Legion establishes a Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, London and Cathays Park, Cardiff.
The Fields become a sea of Remembrance Crosses with scarlet poppies - a touching symbol of Remembrance and tribute to the memory of ex-Service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country.
There have been many wars and conflicts over the years, some close to home, like the conflict in Northern Ireland, others thousands of miles away, like the current conflict in Afghanistan. Wherever the conflict and no matter whether it's still going on or whether like the first and second world wars, it finished many years ago, we must never forget those who were killed fighting for our freedom.
Today, on the 11th day of the 11th month, I hope like me, you took the time at 11 minutes past the 11th hour, you stopped what you were doing and observed a 2 minute silence in memory of those who have lost their lives.
Today, on the 11th day of the 11th month, I hope like me, you took the time at 11 minutes past the 11th hour, you stopped what you were doing and observed a 2 minute silence in memory of those who have lost their lives.
Please pray for these men and women today and for all they sacrificed.
Now I'd ask you to think of those still involved in conflicts...
Hero is a word that is bandied about too readily these days, devaluing and diminishing the actions of real heroes.
The brave young men and women in our Armed Forces, especially those who are serving on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq, wake up every morning knowing that it could be their last. These are the people who are true heroes. When serving thousands of miles away from their home, it's tough on our troops' loved ones too.
Remember to pray for those still serving abroad, and the family and friends they've left at home. Please pray that God will keep them and their families safe...and let them come home soon!
The average British soldier is 19 years old.....he is a short haired, well built lad who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears and just old enough to buy a round of drinks but old enough to die for his country - and for you. He's not particularly keen on hard work but he'd rather be grafting in Afghanistan than unemployed in the UK . He recently left comprehensive school where he was probably an average student, played some form of sport, drove a ten year old rust bucket, and knew a girl that either broke up with him when he left, or swore to be waiting when he returns home. He moves easily to rock and roll or hip-hop or to the rattle of a 7.62mm machine gun.
He is about a stone lighter than when he left home because he is working or fighting from dawn to dusk and well beyond. He has trouble spelling, so letter writing is a pain for him, but he can strip a rifle in 25 seconds and reassemble it in the dark. He can recite every detail of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either effectively if he has to. He digs trenches and latrines without the aid of machines and can apply first aid like a professional paramedic. He can march until he is told to stop, or stay dead still until he is told to move.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation but he is not without a rebellious spirit or a sense of personal dignity. He is confidently self-sufficient. He has two sets of uniform with him: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his water bottle full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never forgets to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes and fix his own hurts. If you are thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food is your food. He'll even share his life-saving ammunition with you in the heat of a firefight if you run low.
He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and he is unashamed to show it or admit it. He feels every bugle note of the 'Last Post' or 'Sunset' vibrate through his body while standing rigidly to attention. He's not afraid to 'Bollock' anyone who shows disrespect when the Regimental Colours are on display or the National Anthem is played; yet in an odd twist, he would defend anyone's right to be an individual. Just as with generations of young people before him, he is paying the price for our freedom. Clean shaven and baby faced he may be, but be prepared to defend yourself if you treat him like a kid. 
Now you've read this, please stop for a moment and if you are so inclined, feel free to say a prayer for our troops in the trouble spots of the world. 
