Not sure what to say about this ceremony…I think I’m lost for words!
This morning Guy went out to get a few more wildlife shots around the lake. He came back very chuffed to have seen a few red squirrels.
We set off for Luxembourg, limping by on fumes until we reached the first fuel station over the border. Complete waste of time really, it was still over €2 per litre. I did a bit of quick research and it looks like it might be cheaper in France now, so we just put half a tank in, only to have to stop later in the day and add a bit more! 🙄😂
Ploughing through Belgium, we called at Lidl in Namur and had lunch in the car park, we were so hungry.
As we made good time on the motorways, we decided to see the Last Post at Ypres tonight instead of tomorrow.
It was just getting dark when we walked into town and as we were an hour early we went into a bar just by the Menin Gate to warm up.
Big mistake, as the crowds gathered in no time, so when the brass band tuned up at 7:30 we left our drinks on the table and went to get a place. I thought there might be a few people, but it must’ve been in the hundreds. Apparently it’s crowded on every single night of every week of every year. How brilliant is that!?
Bands and choirs can apply to take part in the ceremony and individuals or groups can participate in the wreath laying. It’s been this way since 1928, only interrupted during WW2 when the ceremony was relocated temporarily to England.
The last time we came here in the daytime we were both choked up – I think it’s seeing all the thousands of names written on the archway. Add in a big crowd, a bit of night time ambiance, a brass band and then the bugle call of the last post and I defy anyone to stand there and not feel emotional. Such an amazing tribute to all those men who gave their life for the freedom of others.
