“Commemorating & Celebrating” (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,​

Elsewhere on the Forum one member opined on the upcoming centenary of the outbreak of the First World War…. He anticipates, “bandwagons will roll… piles of cash will be made…” He further hopes that manufacturers will avoid “the quick buck…” and not just release what seems fashionable and profitable.” Finally, he asks…”What is so big about this year than any other?”​

Well if I may let’s begin with the last question first… Big anniversaries like a centenary are worth remembering because it helps focus the mind on certain times that were major watersheds in history and momentous events in themselves.​

The 50th. Anniversary of D.Day for instance reminded many people that June 6, 1944 was not a foregone conclusion and but for the dedicated and skilled planning of the Invasion by the Allies it could all have failed and much of Europe might still be under the jackboot of the Nazis today.​

Similarly 2015 will see the 200th. Anniversary of Waterloo with millions of people looking again (or for the first time) at the life, legacy and downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte.​

2014 is the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War… The War to end all wars… The war that shaped and defined the entire 20th. Century….the war that all too effectively led to the Second World War. The War that toppled empires, dethroned kings and queens, started revolutions and led to the emergence of the United States as a great world power. And the spark that lit the flame…​

The assassination of an Austrian Archduke and his wife in a little Balkan town called… Sarajevo!​

Speaking as a proud Briton, I think 1914 was and is one of the pivotal years in British and world history… We began the war with the largest Empire the world had ever seen.. and the most powerful navy that sailed the seas (at that time).​

Four years later… we were victorious and bankrupt all at the same time… And more than a million brave men the poorer. Like virtually every family in the U.K. we lost fathers, brothers, uncles, sons. On my father’s side two great uncles are buried in France… On my other’s another great uncle lost at sea. So, speaking personally, the Great War still has a special resonance and meaning for me. And yes, King & Country will remember it in our own way as I am sure will other manufacturers.​

Not because we want to jump on any “bandwagon”… Not for any “piles of cash” Although, of course, I do hope it is successful – We are still a business and good businesses do need money to continue.​

As for “quick bucks” and being “fashionable”…. Please remember we are talking about the niche hobby of toy soldiers or military miniatures here… I don’t know anyone in this hobby or business who is filthy rich or concerned in the least about “being fashionable”.​

What I recognize are a lot of guys who love history and both making and collecting little figures, vehicles and aircraft that bring history alive and help connect them to the story of our times and the men, women and events that shaped it… and us!​

Best wishes and happy collecting.​

Andy C.​

 

[Guy]

Well said Andy,commemorating is something completely different than celebrating. Commemoration means, respect,modesty, refelection and remembrance. How better, as a toy soldier manufacturer, to remember such an important part of our history, than through the creation of some figures that reflect this enormous tragedy that affected almost every family on the face of the earth.
guy:smile2:

 

[waynepoo]

Yes, to the point and my sentiments as well, Andy you have stated very well what I am sure many of us feel about the up coming 100 year commemorations.....
Wayne.

 

[Rob]

Couldn't agree more Andy, well said. As well as the points you've made its also becoming clear that interest in WW1 has gone through the roof in recent years as people discover their heritage and discover that these sites are just across the channel. It is perfectly natural that the country comes together on the hundredth anniversary and give thanks for the sacrifice made for us and the victory that sacrifice ensured. But one of the most important things about this forthcoming anniversary is the wealth of learning and education projects that are being created so the young people of today can reach out and touch their past and in doing so pass the message on to their children etc. Legacy was a big word in the Olympics, its an even bigger word in terms of passing on the respect for our fallen.

I look forward to seeing what WW1 K&C produce in 2014-18.

Cheers

Rob

 

[braddinpa]

Agreed with everyone is saying. Here in the states we have been commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War. (This is the 150th of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Mine Run among others). It is good to see people not forgetting. As a collector of paper and battlefield tramper it is great to see people not forgetting what they did. Many paid the ultimate price and it should be remembered most were volunteers. Brad

 

[Mitch]

Andy...

You kind of make my point why did the 50th commemoration of d-day show how difficult the invasion was and, how close a call it was between success of failure? what did we know then to 35th 20th 48th or any others?? We are hung up on the number not what the issue is about is my point. I don't respect the fallen and injured anymore because its 100 years than I do at 10 years.

It was the same with calls to close the country down for that Sunday I don't agree why not every Sunday every year that shows a lineage of respect not just doing it because its 100 years. That's not true respect what they did is no more important next year than last year IMO

If people don't want to see what I am saying or, turn it for their own benefit then fine but, there is a definite obfuscation between the terminology anniversary and commemoration on here and, in the papers in the run in to 2014.
Mitch

 

[Combat]

This year is also the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg battle and the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination. Both of which are monumental events in US history that might provide some interesting subjects. How about Lincoln giving the Gettysburg address (the 150th anniversary of which is on Nov. 19, 2013). Or the JFK car as it appeared on Nov. 22, 1963?

 

[Rob]

This year is also the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg battle and the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination. Both of which are monumental events in US history that might provide some interesting subjects. How about Lincoln giving the Gettysburg address (the 150th anniversary of which is on Nov. 19, 2013). Or the JFK car as it appeared on Nov. 22, 1963?

I would just love to be at Gettysburg for that anniversary, its such a fascinating, epic battle that it really hooks you in . Lots of big ACW anniversaries coming up in the next few years then.

Rob

 

[TomB]

Hi Guys,​

Elsewhere on the Forum one member opined on the upcoming centenary of the outbreak of the First World War…. He anticipates, “bandwagons will roll… piles of cash will be made…” He further hopes that manufacturers will avoid “the quick buck…” and not just release what seems fashionable and profitable.” Finally, he asks…”What is so big about this year than any other?”​

Well if I may let’s begin with the last question first… Big anniversaries like a centenary are worth remembering because it helps focus the mind on certain times that were major watersheds in history and momentous events in themselves.​

The 50th. Anniversary of D.Day for instance reminded many people that June 6, 1944 was not a foregone conclusion and but for the dedicated and skilled planning of the Invasion by the Allies it could all have failed and much of Europe might still be under the jackboot of the Nazis today.​

Similarly 2015 will see the 200th. Anniversary of Waterloo with millions of people looking again (or for the first time) at the life, legacy and downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte.​

2014 is the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War… The War to end all wars… The war that shaped and defined the entire 20th. Century….the war that all too effectively led to the Second World War. The War that toppled empires, dethroned kings and queens, started revolutions and led to the emergence of the United States as a great world power. And the spark that lit the flame…​

The assassination of an Austrian Archduke and his wife in a little Balkan town called… Sarajevo!​

Speaking as a proud Briton, I think 1914 was and is one of the pivotal years in British and world history… We began the war with the largest Empire the world had ever seen.. and the most powerful navy that sailed the seas (at that time).​

Four years later… we were victorious and bankrupt all at the same time… And more than a million brave men the poorer. Like virtually every family in the U.K. we lost fathers, brothers, uncles, sons. On my father’s side two great uncles are buried in France… On my other’s another great uncle lost at sea. So, speaking personally, the Great War still has a special resonance and meaning for me. And yes, King & Country will remember it in our own way as I am sure will other manufacturers.​

Not because we want to jump on any “bandwagon”… Not for any “piles of cash” Although, of course, I do hope it is successful – We are still a business and good businesses do need money to continue.​

As for “quick bucks” and being “fashionable”…. Please remember we are talking about the niche hobby of toy soldiers or military miniatures here… I don’t know anyone in this hobby or business who is filthy rich or concerned in the least about “being fashionable”.​

What I recognize are a lot of guys who love history and both making and collecting little figures, vehicles and aircraft that bring history alive and help connect them to the story of our times and the men, women and events that shaped it… and us!​

Best wishes and happy collecting.​

Andy C.​

If I may ..I would like to add...my.. Well Said... to the list....TomB

 

[Isandlwana]

Aside from the usual asinine and anodyne 'likes' and affirmation which upon viewing seems nothing more than some insidious bullies covenant, I can see both points being made by the oft chastised Mitch and by Andy. For some it is a case of history finding them and the centenary will certainly serve as a catalyst for future enlightenment due to media exposure, others are more proactive and no one year has primacy over another and to be honest that is how it should be.

Beware all nonconformists. You're not welcome here!

 

[Combat]

I would just love to be at Gettysburg for that anniversary, its such a fascinating, epic battle that it really hooks you in . Lots of big ACW anniversaries coming up in the next few years then.

Rob

It would be a great time to come if you don't mind the heat and the crowds. They are expecting thousands of reenactors and a big crowd of folks for the 150th. Lots of events. I would expect the President might even show up. It's going to be a traffic nightmare for those of us here, but it should be a great few days for anyone with an interest in the civil war. A once in a lifetime event. Anyone thinking about coming should book their rooms now. Most are probably gone, but GB is only a short drive from DC and Baltimore.

 

[Rob]

Aside from the usual asinine and anodyne 'likes' and affirmation which upon viewing seems nothing more than some insidious bullies covenant, I can see both points being made by the oft chastised Mitch and by Andy. For some it is a case of history finding them and the centenary will certainly serve as a catalyst for future enlightenment due to media exposure, others are more proactive and no one year has primacy over another and to be honest that is how it should be.

Beware all nonconformists. You're not welcome here!

You are saying anyone who liked the original post is somehow bullying someone else? Really, is that not a bit far fetched? Have you yourself never ticked a like box??? And if you did were you agreeing with one persons point or attempting to bully someone else? I said in another thread that its because we enjoy the freedom we do that we are free to remember in public, private or not at all. Just because a lot of people either agree with a point or disagree with one person does not mean they are bullying anyone. Me thinks you might be seeing too much into that old fruit.

Another point just so we are clear, I don't think anybody here has said that because Mitch does not hold with big anniversaries he does not show respect for the fallen, nobody has said that at all, and anyone suggesting so is on a flight of fancy I think.Lets keep this in the boundaries of reasonable discussion shall we. Some people like the idea of the big anniversary and some people don't. Why can that not be a discussion without this ' bullies covenant ' swipe at people who do not deserve to called that by you simply because they agree with Andy, pretty strange remark my friend. Finally Mitch is used to disagreeing with folk now and again, don't see him claiming he's been bullied ^&confuse

Rob

 

[Rob]

It would be a great time to come if you don't mind the heat and the crowds. They are expecting thousands of reenactors and a big crowd of folks for the 150th. Lots of events. I would expect the President might even show up. It's going to be a traffic nightmare for those of us here, but it should be a great few days for anyone with an interest in the civil war. A once in a lifetime event. Anyone thinking about coming should book their rooms now. Most are probably gone, but GB is only a short drive from DC and Baltimore.

Sounds wonderful^&cool Can only imagine how evocative those guys must be crossing the wheat field, do they still allow that? Is it GB where they have candles across the battlefield at night or am I thinking of Antietam?

Rob

 

[Isandlwana]

You are saying anyone who liked the original post is somehow bullying someone else? Really, is that not a bit far fetched? Have you yourself never ticked a like box??? And if you did were you agreeing with one persons point or attempting to bully someone else? I said in another thread that its because we enjoy the freedom we do that we are free to remember in public, private or not at all. Just because a lot of people either agree with a point or disagree with one person does not mean they are bullying anyone. Me thinks you might be seeing too much into that old fruit.

Another point just so we are clear, I don't think anybody here has said that because Mitch does not hold with big anniversaries he does not show respect for the fallen, nobody has said that at all, and anyone suggesting so is on a flight of fancy I think.Lets keep this in the boundaries of reasonable discussion shall we. Some people like the idea of the big anniversary and some people don't. Why can that not be a discussion without this absurd ' bullies covenant ' :rolleyes2:

Rob

Yawn.

 

[braddinpa]

Hi Rob

Antietam does it. But other places are also starting to do it. The Illumination. For example Poplar Grove Cememtary in Petersburg. But i think Antietam is by far the most dramatic. If you go on the park website you can see pictures. Brad

 

[Rob]

Yawn.

^&grin

Funny, you were the guy calling for more WW1 Soldiers just the other day, did it occur to you that the some of the 'bullies' may have been saying they like the fact Andy has just announced he will indeed be doing something for 2014{eek3}:smile2:

Rob

 

[Rob]

Hi Rob

Antietam does it. But other places are also starting to do it. The Illumination. For example Poplar Grove Cememtary in Petersburg. But i think Antietam is by far the most dramatic. If you go on the park website you can see pictures. Brad

Thanks Brad, I'll check that out.

Rob

 

[Combat]

Sounds wonderful^&cool Can only imagine how evocative those guys must be crossing the wheat field, do they still allow that? Is it GB where they have candles across the battlefield at night or am I thinking of Antietam?

Rob

The reenactors are not allowed on the actual battlefield. They have a spot nearby. I have to give them credit, though, for showing up in July in those wool uniforms. It can be hot and humid that time of year. It's not for the faint at heart.

 

[Rob]

The reenactors are not allowed on the actual battlefield. They have a spot nearby. I have to give them credit, though, for showing up in July in those wool uniforms. It can be hot and humid that time of year. It's not for the faint at heart.

Yes that must really be warm{eek3} So are the public also forbidden to walk across the wheatfield for instance Doug, I read somewhere there were attempts to keep people from trying to scramble down Little Round top as well?

Rob

 

[Isandlwana]

^&grin

Funny, you were the guy calling for more WW1 Soldiers just the other day, did it occur to you that the some of the 'bullies' may have been saying they like the fact Andy has just announced he will indeed be doing something for 2014{eek3}:smile2:

Rob

Will I need sunglasses for the new WW1 range?