Today I had the absolute privilege of hearing the words below sung to a beautiful musical composition by Major Philip Shannon. Last night John Langley performed this at The Royal Albert Hall at this years Festival of Remembrance. Today he performed it at our church in Richmond. It was a moving and fitting tribute to those who sacrificed so much.
WHEN DUTY CALLED
To mark the 1914 centenary
When duty called, they played their part,
So filled with hopes, so bold in heart.
These pals in arms were men and boys.
Lest we forget.
When battles raged in filth and mud,
They gave their best and always would
In times of need, they stood the test.
Lest we forget, lest we forget.
On foreign soil, they wrote goodbyes
In silent spells, with muffled cries.
Each start of day could mark the end.
Lest we forget.
With losses high and grieving hearts,
When victory came there were no parts
Where pain was gone or left aside.
Lest we forget, lest we forget.
The poppy shows our aim is clear
For lasting peace, not lives in fear.
When duty called they played their part,
So filled with hopes, so bold in heart.
Our men in arms, they gave their all
When duty called, when duty called.
Words by T. John Foster