In the Silence

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A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with The Reverend Canon Michael Parker, Chaplain General of His Majesty’s Land Forces. Good morning. For over 25 years I’ve been an Army chaplain. As those years have passed, Remembrance and Armistice day have grown in meaning and significance to me. I’ve led commemorations all around the world, and this year, at the Cenotaph in London’s Whitehall. It’s one of those rare occasions when the city falls silent. The hustle and bustle of everyday activity stops, and, despite the crowds, I am left alone with my thoughts. Like everyone who has served in the Armed Forces, Remembrance for me is deeply personal. A catalogue of places I have been, Regiments I have served with and people I have known. Memories – the good ones that you don’t want to let go of - and those that won’t let go of you. For me, it’s the memory of an 18-year-old soldier whose life slipped away as I tried to bring him comfort. It’s his silence that I join when I stand at the Cenotaph. As a person of faith, I can feel the presence of God in that silence. It brings comfort, meaning, hope that the world will one day be transformed and war will be no more. Silence is not the final act of the day – when wreaths have been laid and the marching complete, soldiers old and young come together to raise a glass, to tell their stories and remember with fondness those now gone. They welcome me into their gatherings, thrust a drink into my hand, tease me mercilessly. But before I move on … “say a prayer for us Padre”. I will my friends, God bless you for your service and for all that lies ahead. Amen.