Black and White and Red, all over...

It is with something of a sombre mood that I consider this plinth, on which only yesterday I laid the Parish Council's wreath. 

We spend several thousand pounds only last year, cleaning and restoring the memorial, and re-leading the engraved names. Yes, as you can clearly see, below the Portland Stone memorial, the plinth has already succumbed to the daily grime of traffic pollution, tractor-thrown mud and the weather.

I guess victory can feel like that... Every effort, every asset, every person, is cast into the cauldron of battle... each intent on victory... each fearing defeat. The war to end all wars, wasn't. And even now, war is. I am so grateful to those who fell to claim this victory. I honour those who fell.

But I wish the plinth said something like "Peace Regained", and perhaps (I smile; I am not really serious) "enjoy it while it lasts"...