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I have been extremely fortunate to have met some astonishing people, how I met them was by chance or luck. I never thought that having dinner at my folk’s house would send me on a journey that took over 4 years, a journey where I would be able to sit and talk with those who had actually seen WW2 from the air. Over the 4 years, I met three lovely gents who gave me their time to reflect on the horrors they had personally witnessed whilst airborne over Britain and Europe. I spoke to them some 60 years after, in their own homes, drawing to the end of their own time. I knew that I would never have the opportunity to meet anyone like them again. All three men were quite different in character, stature, and charisma. The thing they did have in common were that they lived in the south-east of England. During the journey, I built wonderful relationships with them, as they delved back into the past, which I could see was distressing and emotionally draining for them. But we also had some smiles from stories that encouraged them during the war. Their courage 60 years later was just as strong as when flying on missions. We must never forget their stories; we need to remember all the sacrifices they made, for the sake of future generations so we understand why we live in a free society in Britain.
Lest we forget they answered the call with mighty hearts, they took a stand in the pursuit of liberty. They died on foreign land. Those that made it home carry a burden within their soul. More years behind them now. Yet stories remain untold. We may never understand it. Few hearts can comprehend. The courage one must possess. To rise and take a stand. So, I ask of you this dear friends and family. How will you remember this most earnest legacy? Will you bow your head in silence? Offer a silent prayer? Let us honour all they have sacrificed. The freedoms we hold dear.
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