Monday, May 12, 2008

TMTA - "Heroes"

Wilfred Owen 1893-1918

The theme this week for the TMTA challenge is Heroes. I decided when I was nearly 40 that I wanted to get a college education; I was a "late bloomer" I suppose, but I do think that at that time in my life, I appreciated the opportunity to learn much more than I would have at a younger age. I majored in English, and discovered Wilfred Owen in a literature course. I have been a big fan of his poetry ever since. Wilfred Owen was a gifted poet who wrote beautiful, often graphic, and always heart-wrenching poetry based on his personal experiences fighting in the trenches for the British during World War I. He was injured badly during his service, suffered shell-shock, and spent some time in a war hospital, recovering. Later on, he returned to the front lines. He was very courageous and a true leader during battles, all the while recording with pencil and paper his impressions of the everyday horrors he and his comrades faced during the war. Tragically, he was killed in action, just one week before the war ended, and was posthumously awarded the Military Cross for his leadership and for his courage. He was only 25 years old when he died; he's buried at the British Cemetery at Ors, in Northern France. (By the way, the torn paper near the top of the ATC is a miniature copy of the actual Service Report telling of his death.)

10 comments:

Faye said...

What a wonderful tribute to Wilfred Owens, the WW1 hero. I think you're a hero, too, Jann, for going after that college education later in life than the normal freshman. Kudos to you! Love your ATC. Faye

Claudette said...

Fantastic ATC....and found your writing very interesting.

Louise (KardKrazy) said...

Captivating story behind our ATC. I could not believe he was only 25 when he died. Thanks for sharing this history and your wonderful tribute to him withyour ATC.

Linda said...

Wonderful ATC and such a fascinating story behind it. You've inspired me to look for some of his poetry.

Anonymous said...

great tribute ! I think read his poemes

Sandy said...

Wow this is absolutely great. Fabulous ATC.

Anonymous said...

great conversion of the topic with a fantastic look

Gunn Marit said...

Lovely ATC!!

Maggie Ann said...

Hi Jann, its so nice to 'meet' you. Thank you for the sweet comments you left at my blogs =)..I hope you'll come visit whenever you can. I'm looking forward to enjoying your blog. Your ATC honoring Mr.Owen is very touching and appropriate that you should pause in this day and age to honor and remember him. I think the photo looks a little like Rhett Butler? smile. Thats a good looking soldier anyway. Your ATC is a wonderful piece of art, and history. I enjoyed reading the post that went with it also. ~~~About grandchildren, yes they are so precious. We only have two and one is brand new! Wishing you blessings, Maggie Ann

*jean* said...

What a wonderful tribute and beautiful card! I shall have to look him up now....I love it when I learn something from these challenges!