“We are the Dead. Short days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow. Loved and we loved, and now we lie in Flanders Fields.” Remembrance Day is observed in the Commonwealth of Nations member states to remember and give thanks to those in uniform who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Similar to our U.S. Memorial Day, but observed on our Veterans Day – known globally as Armistice Day. This, like many other traditions of our cousins across the pond, holds a special place in my heart because of my time serving at the British Army Gunnery School. It was an experience that taught me to appreciate the importance of tradition and ceremony.
Master Sergeant Beau Barker is an Active Duty Armor (19K) NCO with almost twenty-four years of service. He is an Abrams Master Gunner and has served in both Armored and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. Master Sgt. is currently a student at the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.
In the early spring of 2011, the U.S. Army Armor branch manager gave me a last-minute assignment opportunity. After hanging up the phone, I remember feeling both excitement and apprehension. It was a career-changing and enhancing opportunity, but it would mean big changes for my family. Ultimately, I took the job. I represented the United States Army as the Exchange Instructor to the British Army Armoured Fighting Vehicle Gunnery School (AFVGS). It was the opportunity of a lifetime for this old tanker and one I will never forget.
Honoring Tradition
A few months after arriving, the family and I were fully immersed in British life and culture. It was difficult at times to overcome the differences, even in language. The history of the British Army, along with their national history, intrigued me the most. The regimental history, different both infantry and armor, provided insight into their differing and similar customs. It taught me how they celebrate and remember the accomplishments of those that came before them.
West Lulworth Ceremony
The Remembrance Day parade was one of the first customs I experienced. It took place outside of Lulworth Camp, Dorset, in two separate locales. One in West Lulworth and the other in East Lulworth, next to the local Lulworth Castle. The AFVGS Regimental Sergeant Major honored me with the opportunity to carry the Royal British Legion standard for the local ceremonies. The locals and Royal British Legion members welcomed the participation of an American non-commissioned officer.
During the ceremony, members of the local unit, in our case the AFVGS, and local veterans laid wreaths of poppies at the memorial. We read names of the local Soldiers that died during the Great War and recited poems honoring their sacrifice. The Padre lead a solemn service and prayer. Afterward, we exchanged stories between current and former Soldiers over pints and coffee at the local pubs.
It was a time to remember the deeds of the fallen. It was a time to hold the torch high and not break faith. But, for those still living, it also built a sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps. It helped bridge the civilian-military divide, building fellowship between British civilians and their Soldiers both past and present.
Regimental Pride
Many different customs I participated in were held at the individual regimental level. One such ritual came from the Royal Tank Regiment. For those that follow tank history, the Battle of Cambrai might be familiar. The battle took place in late 1917 and featured the Mark IV tank, supported by artillery and infantry. Annually, on Cambrai Day, the Royal Tank Regiment celebrates the accomplishments of their forbearers through song and drink, acknowledging the blood spilled in the first grand tank victory in modern history. I participated only once, mainly because of the memory of the effect of an entire day of drinking that started at 0600 hours.
The Household Regiments and their customs are something that many Americans will recognize. From the stoic changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, the grand military parades honoring the Queen’s birthday and Jubilee, and the solemnity of nation-wide Remembrance Day activities – our British cousins give us examples of how pride in our military and veterans could and should be. Different as our governments might be, we can take lessons from these pride enabling events.
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Sometimes we, as Americans, forget why our military is so vital to this great nation. Through tradition and ceremony, we can continue to honor those that have given their lives to service of fragile ideals like freedom. I pray we can bridge the civ-mil divide. Maybe this Sunday can be an opportunity for more than an expectation of gratitude. Let’s make it something more. True fellowship, equal footing, and a time to put aside our differences. We can both honor those who have served to preserve this great nation while also appreciating our civilian brothers and sisters. It was an honor to represent this country and to bring us closer to our cousins in the British Army. I’ve worn this uniform for 24 years, and I only wish that my remaining years in uniform set the example for those who follow.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
-Lawrence Binyon
ANZAC Memorial Wall, Australia
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Great post. Glad that you enjoyed your exchange experience. Despite sometimes being divided by our common language we have more in common than some would recognise. Remembrance is just one example of what binds our band of brothers and sisters together.