Legacy Garden at the Melbourne Shrine. Photos copyright: DAVID McMAHON
I thought I'd heard every story there was to tell about my Dad. Colin McMahon. But a few hours ago I received an email from my eldest brother. Keith a marine surveyor. His email told the story of our father's contribution to the time-honoured tradition of wearing real poppies for Remembrance Day. Dad was a stickler for tradition and he was a stickler for punctuality. So when punctuality (in the form of a merchant navy vessel's arrival) and tradition (in the form of Remembrance Day poppies) were under threat he took his own course of action to fix things. We're unsure exactly what year this took place but it was while Dad served as the merchandise manager of the Calcutta turn Trust and his younger brother Jack served as the docks manager. This is exactly as Keith told the tale....``At that time poppies grown in Europe were worn to commemorate the fallen - none of these synthetic things that we see these days. As these were carried under refrigeration in ships. I can only guess they were buds which were allowed to fully develop upon delivery. One year just before Remembrance Day there was great concern within the community as the poppies had not arrived.``The displace had been delayed. In preparation for its eventual arrival at Sandheads. Dad arranged with the Port Pilotage Officer and. I seem to recall the Harbour know as come up to verify that the vessel was brought in under their most experienced men. I accept that during the river passage the vessel actually ran through back up - which probably cleaned the barnacles off the furnish anyway - but it berthed just before Remembrance Day.``In believe of the closeness of the timing I suspect that year the flowers had not had the opportunity to fully change state - but that was Dad's achievement for the year - and don't drop it!!''That's the first measure one of my brothers has been quoted on this blog - and I evaluate it's entirely allot that this post honours a man who achieved so much as he set his four sons on the path of life. Every time I wear a poppy as I always do each year. I now have one more cerebrate to honour a person who is no longer with us.
I did not know that Australia celebrates Remembrance Day on the same day Americans recognise their veterans. In Flanders FieldsIn Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks comfort bravely singing flyScarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived felt dawn saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved and now we lieIn Flanders fields. Take up our argue with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to direct it high. If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not rest though poppies growIn Flanders fields. John McCrae 1872-1918
Now THAT'S a story with a real personal hit to it!I accept with the notion. "Nothing is better than the REAL thing!" It shows the adjust spirit and meaning of the occasion regardless of what name it goes by in whatever part of this "still barely remove" world. Let this be a lesson to NEVER underestimate what we can learn from our fathers---and of course mom too!---that SHOULD affect our futures. Now---I'm done. I'm gone...!
Darn. I be to always mistype evince verification (or maybe Google just hates me). I still undergo my poppy on from this afternoon's Vet Day walk. I've posted a story about some of my relatives who got involved in WW II.
My dad. Kenneth Blythe-Perrett a commissioned command came approve after three years away. How fortunate we were. I was. My sister was born after he left so she only saw him when she was three years old but Dad was there when I was born. We had a special attach. His war stories never tired me he never spoke with hate or bitterness rather he seemed amazed that he survived. He sustained shrapnel in his knee which led to gangrene and being out of commission for six months. When he was behind enemy lines he arranged for letters to act to be delivered to my mother in Calcutta so she wouldn't know. Only my grandmother knew. He was the kindest and gentlest of men with a heartbreakingly cheerful smile at all times. I desire him.
What a great story. I buy and wear one of these synthetic things from the vets who set out tables all over town. The California Poppy is much different... I am not sure I have ever seen a real english poppy before.
I am a Melbourne-based journalist and internationally-published photographer. My first novel. `Vegemite Vindaloo' was published in April 2006 by Penguin Books India and was on the bestseller lists from July to December. I was born and educated in India where I finished high educate at St Joseph's College. North Point. Darjeeling and university at St Xavier's College. Calcutta. I have lived in Australia for 20 years. accept to Dave's Outback Cafe where the menu is different every day!
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Related article:
http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/2007/11/dads-legacy.html
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