On this Remembrance Sunday (which is also Natasha's Birthday!) we listen for the very FIRST TIME to an emotional British song played at the Cenotaph in London, Nimrod by Edward Elgar. We also learn all about the Poppy! The history of the poppy, why the poppy? Who came up with it? What does it mean? This was incredibly educational for us and we really think you may learn a new fact here too. Our never-ending gratitude, love and constant respect for ALL Allied Militaries of the USA! Thank you for your service each and every Veteran that is watching! Please watch from beginning to end. God Save The King & God Bless America! Thank you SO much for watching! If you enjoy our content, please consider subscribing to our channel, it is the BEST way to support our channel and it's FREE! Also, please click the Like button. Thank you for your support!
It's my birthday as well today. So this made a good start to a special day this year. I did know all of this. It's good for you and others to learn as well. Have a good day, I will haha.
Happy birthday, Natasha. Wishing you peace and happiness. Thanks for the touching tribute. I didn't get to our cenotaph today, so it was kind of you to do this for me to watch at 11 today ❤
As a British veteran I would like to say: red poppy white poppy, no poppy - it is YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE. It is the very thing we signed up to defend, the right of people to live in a country where they are free to choose. All we ask in return is that on one day of the year, for two minutes, people remember that freedom doesn't come for free and that all too often, peace has to be fought for.
I don`t donate to the poppy appeal because those who run the RBL are rotten. Veterans hotels have been closed down as a cost cutting measure while six figure salaries are paid out to paper pushers at their HQ. I give to SSAFA which is run from top to bottom by volunteers and doesn`t mess veterans about with mind numbing bureaucracy when they need help.
Well said. I do not generally wear a poppy, however, I served for more than 40 years and remember all those who died serving our country in other ways. For example, I write this while visiting the Somme.
Buying and Wearing the Poppy, not only helps the cause financially, but also reminds the current generation in particular, , how and why it is a emblem of freedom, that came at such a high cost. The RED of the poppy, as you know, signifys the BLOOD that was shed on our behalf. @@dabrab
I am 16 years old and live here, in the UK. Yesterday, I walked to our local war memorial on my own, to pay respect at 11:00 AM 11/11. I spoke with a war veteran named John - he fought in the Falklands & Afghan War and spoke about how he lost many close friends. Despite having such a large age gap, we made a good connection, and it was so very nice to speak to someone from another generation, who gave their life to serve our country 🇬🇧🏴🇺🇸
Thank you for the respect and compassion you showed. You made other people very happy today. I wish you all you wish for yourself in life. I have a feeling you are going to have a bright future.
The epitaph on the war memorial at Kohima says the following: "When you go home Tell them of us and say, For your tomorrow, We gave our today." Says it all really.
My great -uncle was shot in the lung during the battle of The Somme. He remembered lying wounded in a ditch and being aware of a mass of poppies all around him, amongst the bodies of his mates. He was a hard, taciturn Wiltshire farmer, who never showed any emotion, but always teared up when he saw the Remembrance Day poppies. Lived until his mid nineties.
I'm a Canadian, in Canada, Remembrance Day is November 11, and for me, it is for the fallen, and all the people left behind in war. The day is to honor those who are no longer here, and those who serve. I wear a poppy for the week before, and replace it several times. When they fall, it is a reminder of the fallen soldiers , they have to be replaced. I take this very seriously and solemnly, as a tribute to the service and freedom given to me. Go look at Vimy Ridge, Canada has paid a very high price throughout history.
Visted the Canadian cemetry there 10 years back. At the entrance were Canadian students who proudly gave up their time to guide visitors..very humbling and moving and great credit to them ❤
I cannot listen to Nimrod without crying. Edward Elgar lived in Worcestershire, about 25 miles from where I am, and composed much of his music whilst walking over the beautiful Malvern Hills. When I visit there, all I can hear in my head is Nimrod. It is a piece so evocative of England in particular. As for poppies, as well as the traditional red and white, there has been a recent trend for purple poppies, too, in remembrance of all the animals who died during wartime, particularly horses and dogs. I, and my dog, wear both red and purple poppies throughout.
I know Malvern very well. I used to live in Leominster, now in Ohio! Used to show at the Three Counties Show every Year. I remember when very young an Monitor tv program me about Elgar, and always remember the part where as a youngster Elgar is riding his pony across the Malverns to Elgar's glorious music. Wonderful.
@@gillianashley1820 Yes I have! Thank you for you lovely reply. We used to come in the "back way" to Malvern, passed the running spring, where people people filled up water bottles. Never did myself, wish I had.
The black adder series did one on the First World War and the final scene was where all the characters came out of the trenches and ran towards the German line. They all fell and the scene greyed out and poppies grew up, it was a very moving scene. It is a very emotive symbol simple but effective.
That scene specifically they had to slow it down as the "no mans land" was only about 5 meters wide for running across it. They also found that it still looked ridiculous as the actors had to come to a complete stop to avoid running into the film cameras. I cannot remember her name, but a lady proposed fading out the footage of the guys and overlaying the field of poppies. Amazing really how a few problems in filming and editing would lead to such an emotive scene.
My dad was in the Army for 22 years and he always supported the British Legion. When he died, the local Legion gave him a guard of honour as his coffin entered the church. Still gets me emotional 15 years later.
Good afternoon ladies. This is a wonderful video. Here in the UK, the poppy is a symbol of the pride and respect we have in remembering the fallen in WW1 onwards, and the allies of any nation that fought alongside us to secure freedom and peace from tyranny. The USA veterans are greatly admired here, and the British people know the vital role they played in helping to defend us against the horrors from the dark days of the past, along with the Polish, Canadians, Australians and many others. Even in the ridiculous times we live in now, nothing and nobody can take away our pride and support for all of the allies forces that have us so much and paid the ultimate price.
Remembering my lovely Mum and Dad today. They met when they were both based on the same RAF camp. My dad pursued my mum by singing "Yours" under her barrack window! They married withing 7 weeks and were married for 50 years! What a strong love!!! I miss you both so much, and thank you for your service and our freedom. I am proud to remember Jock (Harry) and Terry (Dorothy) Gray. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I've just stood with alot of other customers and supermarket staff observing 2 minutes silence and did the same at work yesterday to show thanks and respect for what both human and animal hero's have done for us in the past
"Nimrod' from Elgar's Enigma Variations, is woven into so many of my memories. It's such a poignant tune and used frequently in the military during parades and church services, so as an ex-army wife of many years standing, it conjures up so many occasions when it was played. Just beautiful. Ladies, if you ever get the opportunity, visit Northern France during late summer/early autumn. Still, after all these years, as the fields are ploughed, the marks of the old trenches appear in the soil and the poppies proliferate. It's so moving and is, to me, the perfect symbol of all who suffer in war. John McCrae a WW1 poet wrote this: In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. This poem was also a part of the decision to choose the poppy as the symbol of the Earl Haig Fund and then the British Legion, to raise funds for the many who fell and left dependants, or who were maimed and needed assistance after the war, (and then sadly, wars) were over. He was a Canadian Lieutenant Colonel, and a surgeon during the second battle of Ypres, and himself died of pneumonia towards the end of the first world war, at the age of 45.
To hear there is controversy over the red poppy was a shock to me, here in Australia it has always been a red poppy for remembrance day and in recent years the Purple one for the brave animals that also served. As a Australian Army Vet I will always wear a red poppy proudly alongside my medals as to me it is red for the blood shed by those who served and those who paid the ultimate price for the freedom we share. Ty Ladies this was an interesting video and I love to learn. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘❤❤❤❤
Hello to you both, from the UK I'm an ex RAF dog handler, I wear a poppy every day of the year as I lost a close friend and it's for him and all others that gave their lives for our freedom. We will never forget. Thank you for doing this video. Neil
Happy Birthday. Bless your hearts Natasha & Debbie for your kind comments and sincere sentiments. You really are special people. From a Coldstream Guards veteran
Nymrod always make me cry. Girls I know how much you love the military, you would love the march past at the cemetery, it is huge and includes all services both serving and veteren, including war widows and auxilliary services. The Festival of remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall is one I never miss and at the end everything falls silent while thousands of Poppy petals fall onto the heads of the young soldiers in the auditorium. It is always attended by the Monarch and members of the Royal Family. Definitely worth a watch.
Some choose to believe the red poppy glorifies war, hence controversial. There are white poppies for peace. However, the red poppy is also for peace. I was brought up in R.A.F. Married quarters. Every year we'd be reminded in school that the red poppy reminds us of ALL those who died in war. Allies and enemies. Civilians and combatants. Men and women. Young and old. Rich and poor. All colours and religions. By remembering the horrors of war, we would have peace. How inclusive is that one red poppy! It will also include LGB, but that wouldn't have been said back then.
I knew about the poppies growing on the battlefield but the rest I didn’t know, I love poppies and don’t find them depressing at all and to anyone who disagrees with us wearing the poppy to remember our fallen dead they can just bog off( as we say in England). I will always wear my poppy with thanks and pride. ❤
Nimrod, of course, is one movement (the Tenth) of Elgar's Enigma Variations (of which there are 14). The Worcestershire-born composer described it as "The story of something that happened". This variation is named Nimrod, after the OT hunter (Genesis 10:9). Elgar dedicated it to his publisher, the man who encouraged him to continue composing at a time he thought he was not up to the task and wanted to give up. The publisher's name was Augustus Jeager (the name meaning hunter in German). Btw, the so-called controversy concerning the poppy is a contrived one and has no public resonance.
Ladies if you have not already watched it please watch the video on the UKs unknown soldier whose tomb is in Westminster Abbey...the story of how the idea began,how he was found and his funeral will amaze you but will make you cry.....it is a really sad but wonderful story....Thank you for all your great videos and your love of so many of my country's traditions xx
We are steeped in emotive history, so thank you for this video. We need to remember our past and know the significance and meaning behind our traditions. Natasha and Debbie, you both did this with wonderful and respectful care.
My grandmother would haunt us if we did not wear a poppy on Remembrance Day, in memory of her brother who died in the RFC in August 1918. I still wear one but also in memory of my grandfather, father, uncles who served on the sea, land, and in the air, from UK. Thank you for your support.
I cannot say that I 'remember' my grandfather, who was killed in 1918, almost exactly on my mother's second birthday. I do wear and honour the poppy on his behalf and on behalf of those other members of my family who were physically and mentally scarred in the conflict. I also wear it to honour my father's comrades who did not return from the Second World War and my own comrades in later conflicts. Neither my mother nor my grandmother would ever allow me to pluck a living, growing poppy. I did not understand why at the time but I do now.
I was very proud to stand next to my husband today at our remembrance parade, he’s an Army veteran and served for 35 years. Today my 6 year old grandson was also on parade with his Beaver unit. I shed many tears thinking of friends we have lost and also pride for my husband and our grandparents and friends. Thank you for another very respectful video.
Wonderful again girlies, my husband and i went to church this morning where a parade of Army cadets, cubs and scouts and the Royal British Legion peraded along the street to the memorial outside our church. I was standing next to a gentleman and his wife who were laying a wreath the gentleman had tears streaming down his face, i fou d out he had lost friends during the Falklands conflict. I have never seen a white poppy either. I wear my poppy with pride. Thank you girlies for being respectful duringbyour videos. Oh and happy birthday Natasha 🎂
Happy Birthday Natasha, it's also our eldest son's birthday, who is a police officer. It was mine 3 days ago. To me, Nimrod is the most powerful piece of music ever written, it brings me to tears every time I hear it. I am writing this whilst watching the Annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. The veterans are about to march past, it will take a very long time for them all to get past, it includes a 101 year old veteran who served in Burma with the Green Howards.
When my grandad was on his deathbed, he was partially unconscious for the last couple of days or so. The nurses said that although we couldn’t speak with him, he would be able to hear us. So we decided to play him music. One being the song that was played for first dance at his wedding; The Very Thought Of You by Al Bowlly, and another being Nimrod. It was an incredibly emotional moment for us as a family seeing his toes wiggle along with the tunes. Nimrod has a very special place in my heart. For the nation I assume it’s the same. Like you said it soothes you through sadness. It’s played often at funerals.
Thank you ladies, you show more respect and love for the UK than what we have coming to our country at the moment in their tens of thousands. British Army veteran 🌹
Ive never heard that piece of music without goosebumps and tears; for all those lives lost, all that youth lost, and the sadness and broken lives for those that survived.
Hi Natasha, Debbie ...Elgar is one of our most highly respected composers here in the UK and Nimrod was Elgar's best friend , his manager , August yagar ....this piece is very close to being a national Anthem along with pomp and circumstance, another Elgar classic ...❤
I am definitely anti war like most people but like you said we don't live in a perfect world and unfortunately it will always be with us. I didn't know the full history of the poppy but thanks to watching this I do now. Even more now I feel wearing it is the exact opposite of war mongering and just simply an act of remembrance, thanks and respect to all those lost and living that put their lives on the line in the difficult world we live in. Lovely also that we have an American and French connection to thank for why we wear them too. Another great connection between allies ❤. Lovely video, thank you and get well soon Debbie xx
Nimrod and the last post get me every time,i seem to get more emotional as i get older,just trying to understand what these people went through,for our freedom 🌹
I was luck and got to attend the service at the Cenotaph in London several times. Its so moving to be able to pay respect to so many fallen hero's and the ones still with us that fought through various campaigns around the world.
I always watch the Remembrance Sunday broadcast and whilst they play Nimrod every year I'm always in tears by the end thinking about those brave service men and women who have given their lives for the country.
Well that certainly got my eyes moist this morning whilst I was cleaning my medals for today’s remembrance cervices at our local war memorial 😢 I sent you ladies a couple of pics to Facebook on the last clip you posted, I’ll send something special to this post on Facebook when it’s on too. Many Happy Returns too Natasha 🌺
Happy Birthday Natasha 🎂 A lot of the ceramic poppies from the Tower of London were sold, with the proceeds going to Services Charities - I was lucky enough to get one and it lives on my window sill on Armistice Day and Rememberance Day. I also didn't know that the Poppy started in the US either - you live and learn! I've never seen a white poppy, but some people view Earl Haig's involvement as a Field Marshal in WWI sending many men to their deaths in what were later seen to be pointless actions. The Poppy Appeal used to be run as "The Haig Fund" and that appeared on the centre of all poppies sold. It was replaced with "Poppy Appeal" several years ago due to this controversy.
It is one of the most beautiful pieces of music, heard live around you literally just makes you cry. I wear my poppy with pride and would never miss wearing one
I have heard "Nimrod" played at so many funerals over the years (it is a particular favourite at military and ex-military funerals) and it always brings a tear to my eyes. A really beautiful piece of music, and yes I am crying as i type this
As soon as Nimrod starts to play the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I find it hard to catch my breath. It evokes such emotion it brings tears to my eyes when I think about the servicemen and women who have given their lives in defence of our country and way of life.
I am a 73 y.o. American and a 6 yr. Army vet. My father, who served with the 8th USAAC in Britain and France, always wore a rep poppy for remberence day. When I turned 14 he begain getting one for me as well. They were made by wounded worriors in the American Ledgion. Thank you for this video. Be well.
Again, thank you girls -- I am from the village where Elgar came from , and Nimrod is just the perfect mind-focusing composition for the rememberance ceremony -- thank you for this presentation
Sir Edward Elgar's birthplace was just up the road from where I grew up (Broadwas-On-Teme) The Teme Valley has to be on the list of the UK's places of outstanding beauty ❤ thanks for the remembrance video ladies & Happy birthday Natasha 🥰
I wear a red poppy for Remembrance Day. I was in navy Cadets and marched in many Remembrance Day Services rain or shine. In school we learned the poem IN FLANDERS FIELDS by heart and I can still recite it today. Thank you for the video. Stay safe
Thank you for doing this ladies. One thing that wasn't mentioned in this video about the Poppy in Flanders was that Poppies come in various colours other than Red, the ones which grew in Flanders were predominantly Red, which was because of the high iron content of the soil due to the blood which had impregnated the land.
Don’t worry about the white poppy ladies, it’s very rarely worn or seen in the uk! For most of us the white one is a sign of disrespect for our armed forces, there could be arguments on both side of the fence over them. I believe we all would agree that war shouldn’t be glorified and that we should always push for peace where possible, but it’s the fact that the white poppy and it’s few supporters have chosen Remembrance Day for them to mark as their day against war and for peace. I would like to think if they were to choose another day with some distance from Remembrance Day it would be seen more favourably, but they have purposely chosen the same day and I personally see that as a sign of disrespect.
I wear a white poppy to remind myself, and others, that we should remember every person, friend or foe, military or civilian, who was removed from life, who gave their lives, or had their lives taken from them by war - which ever way you want to put it. Remember, too, the babes who never quickened, the children never born, because those who would have been their parents were struck down. Remember, too, those who lived, or still live their lives suffering from trauma or injury.
My Mother and Father met when working for Military Intelligence in the 2nd World War, and my brother was in the Royal Corp of Signals. I was brought up to wear our poppies with pride and respect for the fallen.
Nimrod never ever fails to reduce me to tears. So I don't listen to it very often. It's beautiful. I am operating from memory here but back in the middle 1970s I recall my secondary school music teacher (nice man.... hopeless task) telling us about Elgar. He's kind of the quintessential British patriotic composer........you may remember 'Land of Hope and Glory'. He said that Elgar's inspiration for Nimrod was watching a dog make repeated efforts to get out of a river and up the bank. Each attempt a little more successful than the last until, the final climactic moment when it got up onto dry land and shook; those crashing cymbals/drums at the end. Take care ladies........all best wishes from the UK.
Nimrod, always gives me goosebumps, sends shivers up my spine and shoulders, makes my hair stand up on my neck and back of my head, and brings a tear to my eyes.
Happy Birthday Natasha ❤ Get well soon Debbie ❤. Thank you for marking Remembrance Sunday and your kind and lovely comments regarding all who died fighting for our countries. Nimrod is such an emotionally beautiful piece of music and I first heard the music put into words by Russell Watson (check him out - "We Will Stand Together" is on RU-vid). I have worn my poppy with pride all week and have just finished watching the King lay a wreath at the Cenetaph and will now watch the veterans file past. I was one of the lucky ones whose father came home from WW2 but I will always remember those who did not. I didn't know about America adopting the poppy first, but "well done" to our wonderful Allies across the pond. 🇬🇧❤🇺🇸
There is an earlier version called 'Lux Aeterna' which has been sung for many years. I did so as a boy soprano in the early '60s! It means 'Eternal Life' and we can surely at least hope all those legions of souls sacrificed on the battle field and at sea and in the air found their own eternal life.
US person here. Yes, we did this. Around the mid 1970s started dying out I think. I remember crepe ones, plastic ones, different every year. Yes, more a Memorial Day thing. I guess I am older. I did see something recently where it is starting to come back.
I was in Dunfermline Abbey (just a "casual" visit) some years ago and a Gentleman, who voluntarily gave up His Time to just to play the Organ, started playing this quite spontaneously. I ended up in Tears. And Again today. My Dad (W.W.II.), My Great-Uncle (W.W.I.) Both Scots. My Friend ~German-Stalingrad (W.W.II.) They survived ~ Their Mates? No More to Say.
I have just finished 2 weeks of poppy selling for the Royal British Legion. It is a privilege to thank all those who have and do serve and those that have never made it home. We will remember them! I am also a committee member of our local branch and my hubby is Chairman and Standard Bearer. Thank you for your vlog, Edgar’s Nimrod makes me cry every time I hear it. Beautiful, haunting piece of music. 🇬🇧
I’m watching your video and now am watching the Remembrance Sunday service and parade on live now, so moving especially the march past laying of poppy wreathes at the Cenotaph . Remembrance Sunday is always the closest Sunday to Armistice Day. ❤️
I’m in France at the moment , I come in the boat and land in Caen the scene of the DDAY landings always emotional to realise the sacrifices of our forebears ❤
The Flanders Poppy was a symbol of beauty in amongst the horrors of war it was also a reminder of what the weapons could do to both people and the landscape but that beauty would always win out. My father was a military policeman, he was at Dunkirk and was charged with making sure the men embarking the ships were kept in order as such he was one of the last out. He was at D-day, the Falaise Gap, the charge to Brussels, Operation Market Garden, The battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Rhine. All that changed him and he always bought and wore a poppy and he made me do the same.
I would like to say to all families of military personnel past and present thank you for your sacrifice and to their lost and serving Thank You For Your Service you are remembered. Also to those civilians who have lost family and loved ones I wish you peace and I Will Pray for you all
Thoroughly enjoyed this and glad it passed without a hitch. God Bless our service men and women past and present. To the fallen, may you rest in peace and Thank You.
The music is one of Elgar's Enigma Variations; it's for his friend Augustus J. Jaeger. Jaeger is German for hunter; Nimrod in the Bible, a great grandson of Noah, is described as " ... a great hunter before the Lord", hence the name of this piece.
They shall not grow old, As we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. When you go home, Tell them of us, And say for your tomorrow, We gave our today All gave some, Some gave all
I am very lucky and privileged to own one of the 2014 ceramic poppies. Being an army brat i take great pride in it and all the brave men and women who gave their lives for us through selfless service x
My beloved father died on 11/11/1997 at 11.14am. He was only 60. His most cherished days were ANZAC day and Armistice Day. On the 11th moment of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, ww1 ended. My dad waited till his moment of silence had passed before taking his final breaths. His father fought in ww2 and came home.
There is a sound strip on RU-vid of the sounds leading up to armistice. Guns firing up until the start of the ceasefire, about 1 minute of silence, and then the birds started singing. Very haunting.
@@ralphvelthuis2359 WW1 pains me more than WW2. The loss of life including horses, donkeys and mules. the total figure being 8million animals. War Horse the movie is great for depicting this horror if you can stomach it. Its not a popcorn type of movie.
The poppy to me, represents the blood spilled in the name of freedom. Its two sides of a coin, death and sadness on one side and life and continuation on the other. God Bless all who lost their lives during ALL wars. May we one day learn.
my home town holds a remembrance day on the 11of the 11, no matter what day it falls, not just the sunday and have done this since every year from the end of the first world war , the town is called Bedworth, in Warwickshire. enjoy your reactions and happy birthday.
Nimrod is the 9th of 14 variations on a theme. Each one is a dedication to one of his circle of friends. Legend has it that Elgar described each variation as..."This is how x or y, would have played it" (the theme). The 9th is dedicated to his friend and publisher Augustus J. Jaeger . Jaeger is German for hunter, and in mythology the greatest hunter was Nimrod. Just a bit of trivia. hope you don't mind.
Nimrod by Edward Elgar is a tribute to one of his friends. It pictures him and his friend on one of their many walks. The music conveys something of the respect and the joy that friendship can give. It is hard to think of a more beautiful tribute that a person has given to another person
Poppies were a common sight, especially on the Western Front. There was enough rooted-up soil on the battlefield of the Western Front; in fact the whole front consisted of churned-up soil, that poppies blossomed like no one had ever seen before. The poppy with its blood red colour represents the blood spilled through ww1 and has been used as a symbol ever since. I wear and red and white poooy. ☺️ Remember the men and animals who died and gave all.
As a Brit, I'm betting the ladies haven't heard of the newer way of remembrance that happens in some places in Britain. The Knitters who make "Toppers" for the red Post Boxes. Some take all year to make. I think both ladies would enjoy looking at them. Signed, the grand daughter of a cook in the Second World War.
Always a tear for Nimrod. My late father would sit and hum along to it during his final illness. Dad was crippled with polio at 3 years old, and could not go to WW2, obviously. Many of his friends died. I think he always had some survivor's guilt.
