My Diary / A Survey on Spiritualism / Sitting it Out / 150th Anniversary / Looking Back at 2015 and Forward to 2016.

                                                                   

                                                               My Diary...

November...

20^th – 24^th... I had a busy but enjoyable time at the Glasgow Association (SNU)...

December...

6^th – It is always a pleasure to attend Perth Spiritualist Church (SNU).

7^th – A short journey this time to the Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church. (SNU)

13^th – Again staying in Ayrshire I took the service at Ayr Spiritualist Church (SNU)

14^th My last Service of the year was at the Pollockshaws and District Spiritualist Church, Glasgow.

                                               

                                                  A Survey on Spiritualism

The Two Worlds magazine has an interesting article connected with a survey on Spiritualism. The results were not far-off the results of a straw poll two mediums and I conducted early last year. The result of the latest survey is as follows: - To be with like-minded people - 65% / to understand my spirituality - 54% / to understand my spiritual experiences – 49%  - Eventual mediumship - 40%

I have said until I am blue in the face, many attend our churches to be among others on the same wavelength as themselves. To be part of a friendly group and to make new friends. To find a little haven quiet, safe and away from the rat race we have around us today. To be encouraged to be yourself and not to be what others expected you to be. To be an equal part of the church/religion.  That is why I am always trying to encourage greater participation by the congregation in the service.

Most of us at one time in our life will ask: -

“Who am I?”

“What is our true nature?”

“What is my purpose in life?”

This is where there is a need for discussion nights – now a thing of the past as far as spiritualism is concerned.  Not to be in way out jargon to be in simple terms with all getting involved.

For many years now I have been trying to make sense of the spiritual experiences of others.  I always start of by saying “Never believe anything any medium tells you – including myself – unless it makes sense to you.  You are the one who has had the experience and the medium can to their best to explain what they feel has been happening. The final say is yours, whether you think the medium’s interpretation is right or not”.   

If the questionnaire had only applied to those new to spiritualism evidential evidence would have received much more than 40%. That is very important to most of us until we get the evidence of survival of life after death.  To keep getting this would get very boring and turn people away from doors.  Once we can accept that we live on after death our thirst for knowledge increases.  That is where we come up against a brick wall.  There is little in our churches to whet our appetites.   Spiritualism will progress as a religion when committees realise that the focal point of the church is a variety of different subjects not just the medium and the clairvoyance.

                                                      

                                                                 Sitting it Out

My last visit to a church in the old year and the first in the New Year I was not on the platform, but sitting in the congregation and I thoroughly enjoyed the change.  The first service of the New Year I attended the Glasgow Association of Spiritualists and Spiritualism Medium  Diane Mitchell was on the platform.  Being only the third day into the New Year it was understandable numbers were down on a regular Sunday evening.  Diane asked the congregation if they would sit on one side of the church and close to the front instead of sitting in ones and twos all over the church. This concentrated all energy and one area and it turned out to be a fantastic evening. Maybe it’s something other churches should try when numbers are low.

When I started out on the platform I promised myself that if I only lasted for a few months or many years I would still sit regularly in the congregation to get the view of spiritualism from both sides. I did this regularly for many years, but as my bookings increased I let the congregation side lapse. That I now feel was wrong and hope to correct that in 2016.

                                                     

                                                       150^th Anniversary

Glasgow Association of Spiritualists SNU has been in existence since 1866, and celebrates its 150th anniversary with a week of special events from 23^rd – 30^th January 2016.   

                                                          

                                            Looking Back  2015 and Forward to 2016

My fears of previous years about churches may not be able to afford the rising rent for community centres and halls as once again not transpired. It looks like we have been looked after in that direction.

Spiritualism the religion drifting towards entertainment is not abated, but I don’t feel it has got any worse the last 12 months.  That is maybe because the workshop and seminar side of things is proving to be more lucrative. Going to such venues can certainly help you as you travel along your spiritual path, but as an addition not a substitute for good structured development lasting for a few years.

Churches and organisations seem to forget those in there are those in their ranks who only want to know about our religion and their  psychic abilities. Yet, most of the education is geared towards setting foot on the platform. I have tried in my own small way to redress this, taking workshops and dealing with individuals at no cost of almost any cost, from myself.

I still hear complaints about small children attending our services.  There are those who suggest that the earliest age to be in our congregation should be twelve-years-old.  This saddens me greatly as I am always pleased to see children of any age at our services. 

Maybe I’m being a bit petty or old-fashioned when I feel that taking the divine service male mediums should wear a collar and tie.

                                           Looking forward to 2016…

Churches will have more development circles of a structured nature without the plan of having anyone on the platform asap possible.  That they will also cater for those only wanting to understand the basics of spiritualism and their psychic abilities. This can easily be taken by the local medium or long time member of the church in sharing their experiences. Hopefully at little or no cost to those attending.

Social media is now part of everyone’s life. It is also played a big part in the spiritualist movement good and bad. Let our churches think twice before they comment on this media. Informing who the forthcoming medium it opens up spiritualism to a lot of people who may never have known or thought about us. But let it be done in a sensible way – the medium is Jim Smith from such and such a place. If the medium has SNU or other qualifications by all means  mention them after their name. Don’t make it all flowery as you are mentioning an entertainer about to appear on stage. Nor the ‘International Medium’ tag.  You are representing a religion not a cabaret night.

                                                

                                        

My Diary ..... Little Tweaks to our Service can make all the Difference. ... What Legacy Are We Leaving For Future Generations? ... God’s Incredible Gift”

         

                                                             My Diary 

October.

1^st –  A journey to the east coast and Arbroath Spiritualist Centre...

6^th – There was a good turnout at the Ascension Spiritualist Church, Maryhill Community Centre, Glasgow.

9^th – A short journey to the Shining Light Spiritualist Church, Knightswood Community Centre, Glasgow,

25^th –  I always look forward to my annual visit to the Largs Spiritualist Church.

27^th – There is seldom an empty seat in the Coatbridge Spiritualist Church.

30^th – Unfortunately a health problem stopped me attending the Angel Light Spiritualist Church Govanhill Neighbourhood Community Centre, Glasgow.

November...

5^th – It is always a pleasure to serve the SSK Spiritualist Church, Dreghorn, North Ayrshire.

8^th – 10^{th -} My three days at the Glasgow Central, Spiritual Church, 64 Berkley Street, Glasgow was cut to two days after the nasty virus that made me cancel a service in October returned.

    

                       Little Tweaks to our Service can make all the Difference.


I have taken many services at the Glasgow Association of Spiritualists (SNU) over the years, but I felt that the Monday evening service of the 24/11/15 was that bit extra special.  Why?  Two small changes to the usual format fairly raised the energies within the Church, giving a closer link with Spirit and involving the congregation in the Service.

1 ... The congregation being asked to shake hands with those sitting close to them in the church. 

2 ... The medium shaking hands with the congregation as they left the church.   

Neither of these two changes is new to Spiritualism, but within my experience is only practised in a few churches.  The congregation being given the time to welcome each other has been ongoing at ASK Cumbernauld since its opened almost ten years ago.  Greeting those sitting close to you I feel plays a big part in this Church having a reputation of being an extremely welcoming venue on a Tuesday evening. 

The Medium shaking hands with everyone as they leave the Church is something that I have experienced only at Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church. (SNU)..  I feel that that it makes the evening that little bit special for both the medium and the congregation.
We often discuss congregational participation in the service, but seldom try to put it in action.

                               What Legacy Are We Leaving For Future Generations?

I constantly wonder what our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents think of the way we live today, how we have shaped the world we live in. They came through two World Wars and had little of what we take for granted today.  Yet their sacrifices seem to have been in vain.  Our young men and women are still losing their lives and limbs in armed conflicts around the world.  Atrocities seem to be getting worse as each year passes and the only way we feel we can react to them is with bombing from the air.  Yes, there may be times when such action has to be taken, but surely after all other avenues are exhausted and a plan for what happens after the bombing has been worked out.  Too much of what is happening at the moment has been caused by airstrikes and leaving a void for the most vile people and groups to fill.

I can just imagine both my grandfathers and father saying “Why is it OK for our bombs to kill innocent people, but not the enemy doing the same thing?  Why do you call certain countries your friends and yet they are committing similar atrocities as those you look on as the enemy?”  We are running around in circles on the international scene making situations worse.  There certainly is a big problem with migrants, but whatever our views we should remember that each person escaping the ravages of war is a human being.

When young I was proud to be British, thankful to have been born in Britain and not first saw the light of day in a Communist or Third World country.  That is not my view today.  I realize that I was looking at my country through rose tinted spectacles.  The massive abuse of children by those in power and those in the limelight being covered up.  I feel that those who were part of the cover-ups are equally to blame as those who committed those terrible deeds.  Yes, they will be judged when they enter the spirit world, but I would have liked them to be brought to justice here first.

The most used phrase in our seat of government the House of Commons is “My Honourable Lady/Gentleman”.   Yet how honourable are these ladies and gentlemen who run all aspects of our life and country.  My opinion is too many follow the party-line instead of speaking up or voting against their party when the genuinely feel the need arises.  One wonders if they are putting their career before the good of their constituents and country.  We need those in power to think more about Spiritualism’s 

5^th Principle “Personal responsibility” before making up their minds on important issues.

I often wonder if my grandfather felt it was worth losing a leg at seventeen-years of age in WWI with what we have become today.  Also my father and his father working double shifts both during the war to supply the coal to keep our nation ticking over.  What do you think your forefathers will be thinking of the country/world today?

                                             

After “Discovering the Benefits of Nature by Accident” in my previous blog,  here is “God’s Incredible Gift”  which I put on-line a year or so ago.

It is said that God has blessed his children with so many incredible gifts, and flowers are among the most precious. Like the humans He created, there are so many different colours, shapes, scents and sizes of flowers. From birth to death and so many occasions in between we commemorate so much with flowers.  . Flowers are sent with love and are greatly received.  To receive such a gift we know that someone cares for us.   The advert slogan “Say it with flowers” is very apt.

Both my grandfathers liked gardening and both in different ways. With one grandfather my memories are of immaculately cut and shaped privet hedge around the front garden and lawn was like a bowling green. When it came to flowers he only grew geraniums and with only red blooms.  I wonder if at this time one could only get geraniums in red?

My other grandfather did not have a lot of room in his small walled back garden, but with what space he had he used the growing area to its full potential.  He really enjoyed cultivating flowers. His main interest was unusual varieties.  When he did grow  a common species he always went for the least popular colours with them.  Three things that stand out in my mind... Someone brought him a plant from the Middle East and it was said that it only flowered once every seven years. He had it for countless years and yet only flowered the summer before he passed over to spirit. He loved experimenting with flowers and he was trying to breed a blue or black tulip. He never succeeded, but here again he got a little closer to his dream.  The spring before he passed a dark tulip bloomed in his beloved garden.  Nowhere near black, but I remember him saying “Finally I am going in the right direction”. He was also looking towards breeding a blue rose.  God’s blessing certainly gave both my grandfathers so much enjoyment. 

Someone said to me recently “Your grandfather (The one who experimented with colours) was born before his time - just think of how he would marvel at the countless new hybrids flowers with such vivid colours we have today”. I thought on this and I don’t think my grandfather would be too happy with the way things are going as far as the commercialism of flowers is concerned. I think we may be taking things too far as far as interfering with the colours and producing so many varieties that have no scent. . My grandfather was working in his own little way to add another colour or shade to a species of flower in a natural way.  I believe that man has interfered too much with God’s ‘little angels and that is showing in so many different ways. This it is beginning to tell as there are those among us who find that the relaxation, peace and tranquility they got through flowers is now waning.

Jane has never been in good health since she was born and she always felt she was blessed by having a father and then husband who was interested in gardening.  Especially as both concentrated on flowers rather than vegetables.  . As a child and through her married life Jane on a good day could always sit out in the garden relaxing and admiring the flowers. Both father and husband always had flowers in bloom every month of the year. Sadly her husband past away five years ago and although her son has as strong an interest in gardening he has brought in so many new variants of flowers, some that have vivid colours. Life in Jane’s beloved garden is now not the same. She says many of the colours are harsh on her eyes.  Instead of being relaxed like in the past the vivid colours give her a headache and even bring on a migraine at times.   Plus few have the scent like they did in the past.

That is not just one off the case with someone who does not like change I have heard similar things from others about interference with flowers taking the enjoyment away.

Muriel helps out with a voluntary group, visiting people who through many reasons cannot get out and about. A long time ago she thought on giving a little gift of flowers on each visit and they were gratefully accepted.  But as Muriel’s visiting list grew she could not afford a bunch of flowers for everyone.  So today at each visit she leaves three, two or even a single flower.  .  All used to look forward to this little gift even the men she visited.  One of Muriel’s colleagues said one day “it is not only that they appreciate the flowers, they seem to calm them, they are more relaxed looking at the flowers”.  There came a period when Muriel noticed that the flowers were not having the same calming effect for those she took so much time for. One day an old lady who was still alert said “The flowers you bring me these days are not the same as the ones in the past.  I don’t think I like flowers now”.  Muriel though this over but had not a clue what the old soul was on about. Then it dawned on her – for the past year she was buying those dyed flowers from supermarkets again some vivid and some not natural colours for the particular species.  She thought it would be a change and a change it was – the flowers were not having the same effect.   Muriel changed back to bunches of flowers with natural colours where possible flowers that had still retained their scent.  Now those she visits are back to enjoying God’s little gift – God’s little Angels...

 I heard on the radio recently a lady say that had had to care for some difficult people and she had found out by accident how to give them a little relaxation and peace of mind.  In summer she takes them to a walled garden that has only old fashioned varieties of flowers and meadow flowers.  The natural colours and the scent seemed to completely change those in her charge’s nature for a few hours.    It was never the same when she took them to gardens in the local parks.

We were given free will and the intelligence to change what is around us, but not to change for the sake of change. We must not destroy the goodness of what we are trying to change.  Man’s record so far is not good in this respect.  Look at the suffering of animals because we have changed their structure to produce more milk, eggs and meat.  Although some of us may not be too aware of the changes to flowers the most vulnerable in our society do notice - and it is they for whom we should not destroy the goodness of God’s Little Angels.

My Diary... Diiscovering the Benefits of Nature by Accident ... Many will rush to help - but not all is not accepted... ... A comment from Dorothy ... Taken from Facebook...

                                                            My Diary...

September...

6^th – The Friendship of Love and Light Spiritualist Church, Foxbar, Paisley.

8^th -  ASK, Neilston.

10^th –  “Understanding the Basics of your Psychic Abilities”. Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU)

13^th – Dunfermline Spiritualist Church (SNU) Lady Campbell Walk, Dunfermline.

20^th – ASK, Touch Community Centre, Dunfermline.

26^th - Workshop and lecture at the Arbroath Spiritualist Church. (SNU)

28^th – Cumnock Spiritualist Church.

30^th – Dunoon Spiritualist Church.

                            Rediscovering the Benefits of Nature by Accident.

As the summer flowers start to fade and disappear the new season – autumn – brings new colour with leaves turning various shades of red, yellow, purple, orange, and, brown, yellow, yellow-green, and even purple.  Winter can be just as colourful if one plants the right sort of plant that will be in bloom until the spring snowdrop, crocus and daffodil takes over.

John had two neighbours on either side of him who suffered from severe depression, one not going out and the other only leaving home to go shopping.  They only time they would have a lengthy conversation with John when they would talk about the flowers in his garden during the summer.  So as John had more time on his hands when he retired he tried a little experiment.  He tried to have flowers in bloom in his garden all the year round.  Not only flowers to provide the colour, but plant bushes which would have a display of brightly coloured leaves and berries during the winter months.

John was amazed how well his little experiment worked.  He would chatter away to him on a regular basis and he would see them standing outside admiring the flowers.  John decided to take his little idea stage further and putting tubs with flowers in his neighbour’s gardens much to their delight.  Every season he replaced the plants much to the delight of his neighbours.  Both neighbours are getting out and about more and although John is not taking all the praise in their change he admits as well as their GP’s and medication his efforts have given them a better quality of life.  One man being aware of the change in nature of his neighbours while showing interest in his flowers.   Then with time on his hand using his talents to help those less fortunate than himself.  Once again we see how nature and colour can be of great benefit to us – something that many overlook these days. 

In my next blog I will print another situation where flowers help those in need – as long as man does not interfere.

                       Many Will Rush to Help - But Not all Help Will be Accepted.

I was listing to a phone-in on the radio and most who called in were agreeing that we lived in an uncaring society with people only caring for themselves  and would not lift a hand to help anyone in need.  Totally wrong in my book as we only have to look at the vast  sums raised in this country for charity and the amount of volunteers helping the vulnerable in society.

Three hours later I was looking out the window of a restaurant when I saw an elderly lady fall giving her head a real clatter off the pavement.  Before I could get out of my chair, cars were stopping and pedestrians were running to help the old soul.  A week later we were in holiday in England and Isabel – my wife - fell.  No sooner had Isabel hit the ground than people were rushing to help.  We do live in a caring society maybe it is not noticeable until something serious happens.

But, another side of trying to be a Good Samaritan is not always accepted.  In between the two falls I have mentioned I saw a lady lying flat out on the pavement with two ladies standing over her, one on a mobile phone.  I spotted this while driving around the bend of a busy road with double yellow lines so I could not immediately stop the car.  Once I got safely parked I ran back and it was made very clear by the two women that I was not needed and to go away.  They then started trying to get the other lady back on her feet and another passerby and I offered to help and again we were told quite abruptly we were not needed.  I took it to be that the lady on the ground was in a tantrum and the other two were her carers.  If these two ladies carry on like this, they may find no help forth coming when they really need some assistance.  

                                                  A comment from Dorothy Byrne..

Yes - it is sad when ego gets in the way and spirituality becomes just a trendy term! Sadly I have watched this happen too many times!

I agree 100% Dorothy.  To be fair there is an easy answer to this.  Those who want to be famous and make financial gains from their ‘gift' should do so without the aid of our church platforms.  Too many use our church platforms as a springboard to achieve their aim and then return if their financial gains are on the wane.  It is time church committees took notice of this and did not book those for services who don't have our religion first and foremost in their heart.  I know I will be criticized or my comments, but it is hard for many to accept spiritualism seriously as a religion as long as this sort of thing is going on. 

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Taken from Facebook...

Yes depression is such a bitch and seems relentless. A lot of us have been close to that edge, and some have lost friends and loved ones. Let's look out for each other and stop sweeping mental illness under the carpet. If I don't see your name, I'll understand. May I ask my family and friends wherever you might be, to kindly copy and paste this status for one hour to give a moment of support to all those who have family problems, health struggles, job issues, worries of any kind and just need to know that someone cares. Do it for all of us, for nobody is immune

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My Diary... Saying Grace... Prayers from around the world with food being the theme... Harvest Service... Sir Nicholas Winton.

                                            

                                                    My Diary...

August

9^th – Falkirk Spiritualist Church (SNU)

12^th – Perth Spiritualist Church (SNU)

13^th – Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU) The first of four workshops on “Understanding the Basics of your Psychic Abilities”.

16^th – Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU)

18^th – The Association of Spiritual Knowledge (ASK) Cumbernauld.

20^th - “Understanding the Basics of your Psychic Abilities”. Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU)

27^th - Understanding the Basics of your Psychic Abilities”. Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU)

                                                     Saying Grace

In a restaurant recently I saw a family quietly saying Grace before starting their meal.  It took me back to my childhood when one or two older members of the family did say Grace.  When I got home I looked this up on the Internet and found that a poll a few years ago asked if people said Grace before eating.  Most of those who said ‘no’ commented that they were lucky to just have the whole family sit down together to eat, let alone say grace.   So it looks like saying Grace has become a thing of the past.  That may not be surprising as those connected with religion are becoming fewer as each year passes.

But do we need the whole family around the table before we can say Grace?  It need not be of religious content we can take thirty or so seconds contemplation before we eat.  In this day and age most of us are rushing about and those few quiet seconds may let our brain drop down a gear so we can savour the taste of the food more than we would have done. . People who do it tend to eat more slowly, aiding digestion,

 Taking a few seconds to think how the food has reached our plate. From the moment the seed was planted, the minute the animal was born, all through the food chain process so you don’t starve and you enjoy your meal.  Making you appreciate what you are eating and not to take it for granted or waste it.

I have always felt that Spiritualism should have a Harvest Service and the produce donated could be given to local food banks.  I am sure Spirit would be in favour of this.  Many of our grandparents relied on their vegetable plot to supplement their meals.   I am sure our forefathers would think of the Harvest festival as a great idea especially if some of it came from our own gardens.

                                                            Harvest Service

In a restaurant recently I saw a family quietly saying Grace before starting their meal.  It took me back to my childhood when one or two older members of the family did say Grace.  When I got home I looked this up on the Internet and found that a poll a few years ago asked if people said Grace before eating.  Most of those who said ‘no’ commented that they were lucky to just have the whole family sit down together to eat, let alone say grace.   So it looks like saying Grace has become a thing of the past.  That may not be surprising as those connected with religion are becoming fewer as each year passes.

But do we need the whole family around the table before we can say Grace?  It need not be of religious content we can take thirty or so seconds contemplation before we eat.  In this day and age most of us are rushing about and those few quiet seconds may let our brain drop down a gear so we can savour the taste of the food more than we would have done. . People who do it tend to eat more slowly, aiding digestion,

 Taking a few seconds to think how the food has reached our plate. From the moment the seed was planted, the minute the animal was born, all through the food chain process so you don’t starve and you enjoy your meal.  Making you appreciate what you are eating and not to take it for granted or waste it.

I have always felt that Spiritualism should have a Harvest Service and the produce donated could be given to local food banks.  I am sure Spirit would be in favour of this.  Many of our grandparents relied on their vegetable plot to supplement their meals.   I am sure our forefathers would think of the Harvest 

festival as a great idea especially if some of it came from our own gardens.

Here are some prayers from around the world with food being the theme...

Buddhist Tradition--From Thich Nhat Hanh...

“The plate is filled with food. I am aware that each morsel is the fruit of much hard work by those who produced it”.

Native American Tradition...

“Preparing to Eat Now that I am about to eat, O Great Spirit, give my thanks to the beasts and birds whom You have provided for my hunger; and pray deliver my sorrow that living things must make a sacrifice for my comfort and well-being”.

Islamic Tradition... As we sit at table and rejoice in the mercy and goodness of the one God, may the bonds of friendship be strengthened, may our fellowship be a light in the darkness, and—most importantly—may we remember that in opening ourselves to each other we open ourselves to God”...

Jewish Tradition--Adapted from an Haggadah of Liberation...

“We dedicate this meal to our hopes and dreams for the future. We dream of a world not threatened by destruction. We dream of a world in which all people are free to be themselves. We dream of a world at peace”...

From the Native American Iroquois Tradition...

We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and squashes, which give us life. We return thanks to the bushes and trees, which provide us with fruit. We return thanks to the Great Spirit, in who is embodied all goodness, and who directs all things for the good of his children.

Buddhist Tradition--From Thich Nhat Hanh

“With the first mouthful, I promise to practice loving kindness. With the second, I promise to help relieve the suffering of others. With the third, I promise to see others’ joy as my own. With the fourth, I promise to learn the way of non-attachment and equanimity”...

Buddhist Tradition--From Thich Nhat Hanh...

 “All living things are struggling for life. May they all have enough food today”.

                                              

                                                   Sir Nicholas Winton.

In today’s a celebratory mad-world we are forgetting the really special people who have lived among us.  Those who have risked or given their lives in trying to help others or their country.  Men and women on many occasions who’s heroic acts will never be made public.

One special gentleman in this category passed on 1^st July this year, Sir Nicholas Winton.  Sir Nickolas organised the rescue of 669 children destined for Nazi concentration camps.  Then a stockbroker, he arranged for trains to carry Jewish children out of occupied Prague.  A no mean feat considering what was going on in the area at that time.  He died on the anniversary of the departure of a train in 1939 carrying the largest number of children - 241.  Sir Nicholas brought the children to Britain, battling bureaucracy at both ends, saving them from almost certain death, and then kept quiet about his exploits for a half-century.  He organised a total of eight trains from Prague, with some other forms of transport also set up from Vienna.

Truly amazing, but one other thing connected with saving the lives of these children is that the world did not know of this for over 40-years.  This ‘Great Escape’ by the ‘Kinder transport trains’ this only came to light in 1988 when Sir Nicholas appeared on BBC’s “This is Your Life”. 

Sir Nickolas Winton a truly amazing and modest man.

As I have said there will be others who have carried out humanitarian tasks, many losing their lives and yet we will never hear about them.  Maybe all of our Spiritual Organizations should meet and decide on a date each year where we can have a commemoration service for “Unknown Heroes – ones  whose deeds will never be known.