Never Forget those That Fought and Died for Freedom and Liberty
As most of us are aware yesterday was November 11, which was of course remembrance day that is of course a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war. I decided not to publish an article primarily for the reason that I knew there would thousands of articles written better on the subject than I ever could.
But today I feel compelled to voice my humble opinion over some comments I read on a Barbados based blog last night. The person whom I will refer to as The Idiot, wrote that they would never personally wear or allow their children to wear a poppy because no black person was knighted because of their war deeds during the first or second World Wars. I personally don’t know if that is true or not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. Just like I could hazard a guess and say that there were probably no poor or working class white people knighted because of their war heroics.
That is just the way the British elite do things, they don’t give a dam about anything apart their own kind. We can almost be certain that any of the upper classes and high ranking officers that were knighted because of the war, were hiding miles away from the real action, as the poor and working classes, whether they were black, white or Indian were getting massacred. So does that mean that we shouldn’t pay our respects to those that did die.
So I say to you The Idiot, show some respect for all those of all races that fought and died so that the likes of you and me can have our freedom, or even be alive, because I certianly don’t fit the bill of the Master Ayrian race that Hitler and his Nazi party had planned for the world, and The Idiot I dont think you do either!
Today The Barbados Blog is featuring a beautiful song, which mourns the futility of war and is called, “The Green Fields of France” which was written in 1976 by a Scottish born singer-songwriter Eric Bogle, reflecting on the grave of a young man who died during World War I. This version of, “The Green Fields of France”, is performed by the Legendary Scottish folk group The Corries.
Sanctuary From the Mayhem of Bridgetown In Barbados
During my adventures in Bridgetown yesterday morning, when I was walking towards the Post Office to collect a parcel I came across a great refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. This refuge was St Mary’s Church, which was a great place to escape the noise and craziness of the city centre.
It amazed me how quiet and calm it was inside this beautiful church, as soon I stepped inside it was like entering an entirely different world, because I couldn’t hear any of the outside noise caused by the traffic and people going about their daily business.
St Mary’s is a wonderful place to have a wee look around and sit down and take time out and relax from life, whether you are a religious person or not. It sure was a refreshing wee break and it was a welcome opportunity to get to spend some time in such a beautiful and historic building.
As I have stated on many occasions I love wandering around Bridgetown, Bridgetown Delights For The Wandering Scotsman and another of my trips to the Capital, Lost In the Capital City of Barbados, It Wasn’t So Bad.
Historic Gun Hill Signal Station In Barbados
I had the pleasure of visiting Gun Hill Signal Station during the week and even though it looked like the downpour would never stop, I still had a good time visiting one of the most historic buildings in Barbados.
Gun Hill Signal Station is located in the Parish of St George in Barbados and was built in 1818 after the slave rebellion. It is one of a series of signal station dotted around the island, which were built for the purpose of watching for approaching ships, hurricanes and to warn of slave rebellions on the island.
You get a real sense of history when you wander around the signal station, the surrounding gardens and from the historic artefacts that are on display. I however personally wish there were more military memorabilia, more written information and some more photographs, which I feel would enhance the attraction even more.
The views around the island from the top of Gun Hill Signal Station are some of the best, which you will on the whole island. It currently costs $10 BDS to visit the signal station, which I would say represents fairly good value for money. All in all I would say it is worth paying Gun Hill a wee visit, and even though it isn’t the greatest historic site you will ever have visited, it is still gives you an insight into the history of Barbados.
I took an amazing picture of the rainstorm form the top of the Gun Hill Signal Station Tower, which can be viewed at the Barbados Photo Blog.
Fusilier Road In Barbados Courtesy Of The Scottish
I had a trip to Gun Hill Signal Station yesterday, which is located in the St George in Barbados and it wasn’t too bad a wee trip. I love visiting historic places and looking around them, I find it a great insight into the past.
The picture above is the road leading up to Gun Hill Signal Station and it is called Fusilier Road in Honour of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, the 21st regiment, who built the road during their stay at Gun Hill from September 1862 until February 1863.
I kind of felt back home as I walked along this road built by Scotsman with the rain lashing down on me, it was like a rainy day back in Scotland. I must admit I enjoyed the walk in the rain, it was a cooling respite from the sun.