Let us now praise famous men . .

The BCP this morning made use of Ecclesiasticus 44 - a passage which today, a day when we remember the ending of the Japanese element of World War II, has import and great significance:

"let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us. The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning. Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies:
Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are their instructions:
Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing:
Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations:
All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times.
There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported.

And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them. But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten.

With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are within the covenant. Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes. Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out.

Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore."

Ecclesiastes (Sirach) is an interesting read and although the language uneasy in our modern tongue perhaps, still echoes valid sentiments.

As we go about our busyness today perhaps we might spare a thought for:

Those all those who remain from this conflict, especially the FEPOWs (Far East Prisoner's of War),

Those civillians who suffered and died during the conflict (remembering those who died as a result of the Atomic bombs which fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki,

Those who have no graves to mark their having been.

Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore

We will remember them
Well worth a visit