November is a busy time in the British events calendar. We’ve just had Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night, meaning Remembrance Sunday follows just afterwards, as well as Remembrance Day on the 11th of November, which will mark 106 years since the signing of the armistice to end World War One. Around a week before this date, I found out that a Field of Remembrance had been designated within the Cardiff Castle grounds (along with other such fields in Westminster, Belfast, and elsewhere), and naturally I thought I’d go and take a look.
On a sullen, grey day in reading week, I made my way through the castle’s front door and was granted free access to the relatively central field within the grounds, opposite the spectacular Gothic Revival– themed buildings to the castle’s west. There, I found the field, which turned out to be a lot smaller than expected and quite understated, containing remembrance crosses and signs behind them, indicating the different divisions of the Armed Forces commemorated. Examples included the Royal Welch Fusiliers and South Wales Borderers, along with general categories such as the Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, and a section for those who have lost their lives in more recent conflicts. Upon the remembrance crosses, heartfelt messages are written by relatives of fallen soldiers and passers-by alike. Some are addressed to specific deceased relatives; others are more general. I found this display to be particularly apt for the occasion, preserving the memory of the fallen in a dignified and sombre way. Moreover, it isn’t overpowering or commercialised either, acting as a perfect location for anybody to pay their respects, should they wish to.
Within some circles, Remembrance Day has sparked often superfluous debates about its relevance or aims. To me, this is simply overthinking and politicising the matter—something that many on all sides of the political spectrum tend to do. The day has a different meaning for everyone, to some perhaps little or no meaning at all. One of my ancestors perished during the D-Day landings in 1944; so, naturally I use this time to recognise the bravery and sacrifice made by him and those in his position who were exposed to the horror of war firsthand. Simultaneously, Remembrance Weekend serves as an opportunity to reflect on the futility of war and hope that we as a society can one day learn to avoid it completely. Regardless, we ought not to judge one another based on if or how we remember and respect that decision accordingly.