Ron, Congratulations on a wonderful thread that you started. Excellent to read and pleased that you post such good articles. Long may you continue to do so. Regards Tom
I remember that photo, Ron. I've run out of words to express my admiration for your ability to keep us enthralled. "Until 120 "
Thought you might like to see the official AJEX pictures of the 2017 Annual Parade: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ajexheadoffice/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1586229068087392 After much searching I managed to find a pic of the "seated" area which included yours truly....no prizes for spotting my whiskers Ron
AJEX Parade time has come round again and I spent a very wintry afternoon with Daughter No1 and her family in Whitehall. Took the opportunity of trying out my new "Rollator", (think of a Zimmer frame on wheels) and as on last year's Parade, I took advantage of reserved seats at the cenotaph. More pics as & when Ron
A final word on last Sunday's AJEX parade....... I spotted this very nice collection of pics on the internet ; Thousands at Cenotaph for AJEX Remembrance Parade I see that in Pic No.21 the photographer had apparently spotted that I was wearing a basic group of medals and was therefore, in his opinion, worthy of a shot. As someone in his 95th year, I also find myself looking at decorations first to establish where the wearer served in WW2. The chap who was sitting immediately in front of me (Pic 22) was an ex-Colonel, in his 100th odd year and a TV crew were later trying to interview him for for his views on the parade. Good for him for turning out on that bitterly cold day and If some kind soul knows his identity I would appreciate a message in my PM. I can see that AJEX have finally realised that if it is to continue as an organisation it must acknowledge that the WW2 ex-servicemen and women are vanishing daily and the heady day's when I joined (1947) with a turnout of 12,000, are simply gone & forgotten. Ron in a very reminiscent mood .......
Ron Gone, yes, but definitely not forgotten and it's (amazing) people like you that ensure that. Apologies if my comment comes across as a bit patronising: it's not meant that way as I'm sure you realise. Steve
Gents ...... Many thanks for your comments and Steve, I've never, ever, found you patronising These days I ask for very little of my co-contributors other than that they 1. Spell my name right, 2. Acknowledge the source of any of my pics that they may subsequently publish and 3, Beg everyone to continue to keep the memories of WW2 alive so that future generations will know what it was all about.. Ron
Ron, It is sad when an association such as AJEX can see it's future slipping away. It must have been very close knit and provided wonderful support. Are they planning a sort of Friends of AJEX so that sons & daughter's etc can keep the spirit of the original going.
"Advancing years do have some advantages !" (and of course, quite a few disadvantages !) My own particular way of dealing with, let's face it, getting old, is to keep myself busy and so every day of the week I have scheduled activities that involve me getting out of the house.The only problem with this scenario is that virtually everything closes down over Bank Holidays and were it not for my very supportive daughters life could be very dull. I'm also happy to give a plug at this stage to the NHS which (to my immense surprise) seems to have really appreciated the requirements of senior citizens and, to date, anyway, has always come up with answers and help for new problems that have arisen. What has not changed however, despite my advancing years, is the pleasure I still get from writing to and reading about WW2 on this forum, coupled with the many friendships I have formed over the years. With my very best regards to everyone on ww2talk Ron