Its Alphabet Thursday again my favourite time of the week as it also means it is nearly the weekend. Any way visit other ideas at
http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/
This Blog was inspired on Saturday 13th March while I was standing with my daughter on a cold military parade ground.
I live in Market Drayton Shropshire which is very close to Tern Hill which at the moment is home to the 1st battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment.
The Royal Irish Regiment is the last remaining Irish infantry of the line. The 1st Battalion is based in Tern Hill, Shropshire and forms part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. 1 Royal Irish Battlegroup returned in October 2008 from their second tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan - and are due to re-deploy to Helmand Province in 2010.
Hannah and I well actually Hannah had been asked if she would run a creche for the St Patricks Day parade and she asked me to help. So that is why we were standing on a cold parade ground.
I had insisted that I wanted to see the parade. 
this is not the actual parade as I can not get the photos of my phone.We watched as HM Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire (Algernon Heber-Percy) and various other dignitaries inspected the parade.
this is not the actual parade as I can not get the photos of my phone.An altar of drums was set up in the middle of the parade ground this is what happens when they are on tour and away from church.
There is also another wolfhound that was at Saturdays parade Brian Boru.
There were lots of these being worn .
This was agin taken on the day the regiment marched through town I have included it as I am standing just under the ladies hand you can just see the tip of my then blond hair. The light blue uniform being worn by the flag waving children is from my previous school Longlands.
It does not matter if this is a just war or not , what matters is that young men like the ones I saw on Saturday are preparing to go on active duty in Afghanistan later this year as well as the thousands of military from around the world that are there now.
This Blog is about the Royal Irish because they are on my doorstep all most and I live near soldiers on my estate, I have soldiers daughters in my rainbow unit and Hannah babysits for a military family so yes we are connected oh and the padre worships at our church .
I know that when they are deployed later this year there will be lot's of prayers being said for their safe return as there are Continually for the military out there now but let me not lose sight of the fact that this is a fun blog and I have not intended to make it depressing .
Hannah and I had a great time running the creche in the officers mess we had 20 under 10's who were fab and a few over 10 who where quite obnoxious but thats life.
we got to have canapes and drinks ( non alcholic) plus we got paid so all was good.
This prayer was on the prayer card handed out at the deployment service when they last went I think that although it is a soldiers prayer it is relevant to us all.
A Soldiers Prayer
Help me, oh Lord, never to be so afraid as to neglect my duty:
to be diligent and honourable in all things: and to show fortitude,
cheerfullness and couragein the face of hardship and danger.
Be with all whom I love: Guide them, protect them,
and give them peace in their hearts:
through Jesus Christ name
Amen
11 comments:
You're absolutely right! It's always about the price we must pay to defend those who need to be defended. The notion of "just" or not is of no consequence here.
I am in love with Merlin. He is handsome, has great military bearing, and I bet he thinks he's a lap dog!!
Thank you for the interesting post on the Irish Regiment. I wish the war would end and everyone could come home safely.
I will keep them in my thoughts and hope they all come home safely. Hopefully soon they will not be needed. Great post.
Amen - you are absolutely right, these brave soldiers AND their families need all the support and prayers we can give them, regardless of how we feel about the war. I can't imagine such a job, it takes a special kind of person for sure. I remember how we used to feel when my dad would be deployed - as recently as 7 years ago or so. It was a scary time!
love the pic of the flags next to the soldiers - great post :D
Oh my.
What an intriquing post on a subject I knew nothing of.
Bravery is so abundant in our world right now.
So sad that there is so much of it needed!
A+
What a wonderful post. Whether one agrees with the war or not, we must always support those brave men and woman who sacrifice so much. On a happier note, I LOVE that dog. Irish Wolfhounds are my absolute favorite breed (and I work for a vet, so I see them all) He is gorgeous! Kathy
I applaud all of those who fight for the freedom and saftey of all. They are truly brave.
This is a very special post. Because of living so much among military families, they must be often on your heart(as I know they should be on mine). Thank you for the reminder. The prayer is lovely.
A difficult subject - well done. I'm another UK girl! Here is My I
Wonderful tribute post to the Royal Irish Regiment. & the photos were great, especially like the one with their mascot, Merlin~ their Irish wolfhound. Thank you for sharing this. And a wonderful soldier's prayer.
Blessings & Aloha!
(still trying to catch up on all the wonderful "I" posts!)
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