I think often about my dad, but most deeply at this time of year.
First, there’s the anniversary. Four years ago, yesterday. As we all know, bereavement is neither linear nor time-limited, and it’s the milestones that hit hardest.
Then, there’s the man. Dad had a military career, starting with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and then to the Royal Fusiliers, post-University. He used to tell me that there was no more special feeling than marching, kilt swaying, behind Pipes and Drums. Watching the State Funeral, I got a sense of what he meant.
He instilled core values in me. Duty, service, respect, honour, pride. They’re values that we all remember on and around 11 November.
Some would call those values old-fashioned. I would say they’re timeless. As governance consultants, at ANHH we work with clients to embed The Nolan Principles. Those Seven Principles of Public Life echo what we remember around Armistice Day – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership. Those who misuse and abuse their Office would do well, during that Two Minute Silence, to reflect on the sacrifices that others made to allow those powers to exist.
Between now and 14 November, ANHH is humbled to make a subtle change to our branding. We reflect, as we hope you all will, on those famous lines from Robert Laurence Binyon’s poem. They have as great a resonance today as they ever have.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them
It’s fair to say that we have neglected our blog in recent times! The team is now energised to create regular posts. Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated.
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