Seniors. Is this a sea change?

Question

I admit to having been somewhat derogatory about our country in the past, to say the least.

But when I think about it, would I want to be anything but British?

This afternoon, a bitterly cold, bright day, I went for a stroll along the seashore and did a lot of thinking.

I thought about our rich heritage, our pageantry, our colourful history. Our magnificent cathedrals like Lincoln, Salisbury and  Durham. Our  beautiful countryside, our open spaces. Our quaint and eccentric customs. Cheese-rolling and Morris dancing. Our wonderful Armed Services and their magnificent rolls of Honour. They may be small in number, but they are rich in tradition and sheer tenacity.

I thought about the tattered colours of the 24th Regiment of Foot with its wreath of Immortelles hanging in a chapel in Brecon, a tribute to the men who fell so tragically at Isandhlwana, and defended Rorke's Drift so magnificently. Indeed, it was a member of my own former regiment, the Royal Engineers, who commanded that hopeless defence.

I though about our Kings and Queens, our ancestry, the way we stood firm and alone against the might of other nations in two terrible World Wars. How we can dig up relics on our islands from the Iron Age through to World War II. How we have trees that are older than many nations.

How we can always manage a smile, no matter how adverse the conditions, how we always seem to think that a good cup of tea is the answer to all life's challenges.

How the indomitable spirit of men like Cook, Shackleton, Scott, Trevithick and Brunel have forged the very fabric of our national identity. How the music of Vaughn Williams, Purcell and Elgar have epitomised it.

Yes. I've been doing a lot of thinking today.

Am I finally losing all my marbles, or have I suddenly seen a truth I have denied for so long?

Stella Mk 2 · Accepted Answer

Good for you, Grumpy ! I do think that sometimes when it comes to appreciating our own countries, we miss seeing the forest for the trees. I think you just got a glimpse of the forest.

? · Answer

Oh my good Sir Grumpy, the only thing wrong with Britain is WE drive on the wrong side of the road. It is the yank here. My ancestors are mostly from Britain and I often wonder if they had not come over here if I would of been born there. Or if I would of been born. I for some reason have always been drawn to England, like I am homesick. Might be we recycle ? Anyway I too complain about my country. moan and grown, but better that we all live in these free countries. Many died so we can. Be thankful we all are not wearing burkas and carring rocket launchers.

Bizarczar · Answer

Naw -- you just put too much Brandy in your tea. You'll be fine tomorrow morning.
Really though people just don't stop and think about how much they have. I love the protesters over here protesting the government for being heavy handed or what ever. Try doing that in Iran or for that matter most of the world and see what it gets you. We owe a lot to England over this away --- If'n youd could only speak more better englsak, youd be in more better shape.

Lily · Answer

No of course you're not losing your marbles Grumpy 'M' in fact I enjoyed reading your post and felt wonderfully patriotic with you.

 Sings or should I say croaks.....''Ruuuule Briiittannniiaa''... ahem.. that's cleared the street.

It is bracing out today as I discovered earlier on when I went to our local cliff edge shop which always amazes me that it's not yet disappeared into the cold, grey looking North Sea. Wrap up warm and enjoy your strolls, I know I do.

Snid · Answer

As an American I am not really qualified to answer your question.  It was very interesting to read, though!

? · Answer

You are so right about our past!, we were the Empire!, but it seems to me that we have lost our way, and are drowning in a murky sea of Self Self Self!,......And I do worry about where it will lead to!.....

Oreo · Answer

I thought for sure you would give some kind of thanks to the US for coming to your rescue for the world wars.

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Seniors. Is this a sea change?

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