Nursing in the 1970’s in Belfast was not easy as this was the time of “The Troubles” as it has been called. We faced many difficulties, even in getting to the hospital, but we carried on with our work to the best of our ability. Some terrible things do stick in your mind more than others. I can still see some of the young military personnel and policemen who were injured or killed. I find this time of year very emotional and I think the following poem sums up times of war very well.
“I am not a badge of honour,
I am not a racist smear,
I am not a fashion statement
To be worn but once a year,
I am not glorification
Of conflict or of war,
I am not a paper ornament,
A token,
I am more.
I am a loving memory
Of a father or a son,
A permanent reminder
Of each and every one.
I’m paper or enamel,
I’m old or shining new,
I’m a way of saying Thank You
To every one of you.
I am a simple poppy
A reminder to you all,
That courage, faith and honour,
Will stand where heroes fall.”
I don’t know who wrote this but I wear my poppy in memory of those who are no longer here.