TeeCee Ode: The Army Apprentices National Memorial

The Army Apprentices National Memorial

Standing here, thoughts may return to times and places when we learned

To grow up, disciplined and strong, discriminating right from wrong,

Recalling days of fun and laughter, sure in friendships long thereafter

Lasting through to present day for some, not ever to decay.

 

Those carefree, lively days when we looked to the future eagerly,

Secure in the belief that our instructors would give us power

To succeed in our chosen spheres, advancing us in our careers,

And reach high levels of promotion if we so desired the notion.

 

But we who have long played life’s game know that it does not stay the same.

Perpetually our world demands change in time’s hourglass of sand,

And so those places and that time that we recall must now decline

Into a bygone, glorious age, a footnote, proud in history’s page.

 

But now, as we learned long ago, we do adapt to change and though

Our schools may now no longer be, this symbol of our time will see

The dawning of an age to tell of our existence, and how well

We served through World Wars and beyond, and how strong was our youthful bond.

 

So here, within this ring of stone, sit on a bench – you’re not alone,

Surrounded by some names of those who served as boys. Consider, pause,

Reflect on what they represent – loyal commitment – long years spent

In service of the Flag and Crown, beginning at the famed, renowned

Schools of Apprentices, now long gone – but in this place, they still live on!

 

TeeCee (55A)

2 thoughts on “TeeCee Ode: The Army Apprentices National Memorial”

  1. I’m out of Facebook, but look forward to hearing from fellow past and present AAS members

  2. Just found this site. Makes me think of the Rose brothers, Maj Richard Jarman, RE and so many other friends, and brothers I lost. Was so shocked to see my photo…..
    Life is tough and I am sure you all have many stories to tell.
    Me? It never stopped. Progressed from one frying pan to another. Presently 30 minutes from an ISIS training camp with about 1000 members.
    I remember I went into Chepstow a 4′ 8 3/4″s midget. The 8 3/4″ was very important. I left a totally different person and embarked on a start in life with 9 Sqn. (So proud, such wonderful memories) I had no family. The War department was my family and the Royal Engineers was my father. They still are.

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