Ninety Years On - Lest We Forget

The expression 'it's such a small world' tends to become hackneyed after a while, but to banalise the significance of this expression is to forget the sacrifices many gave, ninety years ago,  in order for us to become blasé about being able to work or study in Europe,  blasé about the existence of programmes such as Imim and its ability to welcome many nationalities into its programme via Erasmus.  For us even to be able to entertain the very notion of Europe, the Treaty of Rome and to bicker amicably amongst each other over what Europe ought to be today should be a testament to these men and women, of all nationalities.   In Verdun, French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivered a speech this morning which was an emotional tribute. It summed up the essence of Europe and the fact that today on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember those who have fallen and do not glorify war or its victor. Mr Sarkozy, Prince Charles, Australia's Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Peter Mueller, president of the German Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, laid wreaths in a field of 15,000 graves in front of the building. The Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Canadian dignitaries were also present. In the UK, we wear a poppy in France it's the cornflower or 'bleuet' that is used to symbolise and commemorate the Armistice and the veterans; tommies or 'poilus' as they are more commonly known. For those who wish to see President Sarkozy's speech, click here  whilst back in the UK, former RAF aircraft mechanic, Henry Allingham, now 112 years old, gives his own personal account.... lest we forget.