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Mami To Five

Life: The good, the bad and the ugly bits!

My thoughts on America’s gun laws and Army Cadets

Did you know, that in 2016 alone there were 385 mass shootings in America? There are only 365 days in a year!!! Just in case you didn’t know (I didn’t until google informed me) that a mass shooting is where four or more people are killed or injured. Did you also know that in total, there were over 15,000 gun related deaths in America in 2016? I know America is a huge country, but those numbers are just so scary to me! I just don’t understand how a country with so many gun related deaths can still try and claim they should keep their right to bear arms?

‘It’s in the constitution!’ they wail.

Now without going off on a tangent about how this constitution was written over 200 years ago, in a completely different time. I would like to direct those that claim the constitution is a god given right, and cannot be changed, to the dictionary and ask them to find the definition of the word amendment just a hint it means a change, an alteration. Do I really need to say more!?! I’m sorry America, but unless you tighten up those laws and stop giving every Tom, Dick and Harry a gun ‘just because’. Then those statistics are just going to get worse year upon year. How many children and innocent people have to die before you wake up?

BUT…

After saying all that.

I’m currently writing this sat outside an Army Reserve Camp watching two of my teenage daughters clean weapons. They have just spent the weekend sleeping in a field keeping these weapons by their sides at all times. They fired blank ammo, learnt offensive and defensive manoeuvres. They basically played war for two days and had a thoroughly great time doing it. 

teenage girl army cadets with guns

Photo Credit: Army Cadet Force, C Company

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15 Comments CATEGORIES // random musings, Teenagers TAGGED: army cadets, gun laws, mass shootings, rifles, weapon training

Remembrance Parade 2015

This coming Wednesday marks 97 years since the armistice was signed and at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the guns fell silent and world war one ended. Armistice day was originally a day to remember those who died during the first world war.

After World War Two, November 11th also became Remembrance Day, some of you may know it simply as Poppy Day. At 11am the country will fall silent for two minutes as we bow our heads and remember those who fought bravely and gave their lives during both world wars and in any conflicts since such as in Korea, Northerrn Ireland the two Gulf Wars, Afghanistan and The Falklands.

Today is Remembrance Sunday. This morning, up and down the country, and across the commonwealth, parades were held, poppies were pinned to coats and wreaths & wooden crosses were laid at cenotaphs to mark our remembrance of those who have fallen in battle.Remembrance Day Parade 2015

For the younger generations, who have never seen the threat of war face to face. These parades and silences may seem unimportant. Something ‘not for them’ but for the older generation. Some people even believe that enough time has passed that we should lay the World Wars to rest. 

Whilst it is true that the ranks of world war veterans decreases with each passing parade, each year sees more and more younger veterans joining those ranks, they have lost brothers in arms too. Some people don’t seem to realise that this is a time to remember all those who have died in recent history, in the last few decades, are still dying now, to make the world a better place. For us, for everyone. Should we forget them too? 

Although the fighting today is nothing more than an image on a TV screen for most, no worse than most films and computer games, it doesn’t make it any less relevant. It doesn’t mean we should forget. If anything it means we should make a concious effort to teach them about the world wars, the whys and the wherefores (age appropriately of course). We should ensure the memories are never forgotten to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

This morning E&Ff took part in their first remembrance parade. They have learnt about the wars in school for many years now, but today was their first chance to stand with their fellow army cadets to pay their tribute. I did the same when I was a cadet, as did Lee. I was so very proud to see them marching with their detachment.2015-11-08 12.08.22 (2)

Did you or your children take part in a remembrance parade or service today? Do you believe we should continue to remember those who have died in battle on November 11th?

14 Comments CATEGORIES // parenting, Special events, Teenagers TAGGED: #lestweforget, army cadets, bridgend south wales, lest we forget, remembrance day

Summer Days Linky ~ What a Washout

Welcome back to the Summer Days Linky with myself and Karen from Stopping at Two. You can link your summery posts at the bottom of this post or read more about the linky HERE.

What an absolute washout this week has been! It has been cold wet and miserable almost every day right through since last friday. We had hoped to have a nice family day out on Sunday as it seemed to cheer up a little on Saturday but we woke to torrential rains so only ventured as far as Argos to buy a new computer mouse and treated the kids to Burger King, instead of our planned picnic!

But never mind, it seems to be brightening up now so fingers crossed we will have some dry days this weekend. Yesterday, Thursday, was a beautifully sunny day and instead being able to get out and shake off all the cobwebs, we were stuck at home waiting for a bed to be delivered!READ MORE »

1 Comment CATEGORIES // Kids, Summer Days Linky, Teenagers TAGGED: #Summerdays, army cadets

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