My Aberdeen Monday...

Okay, okay...

I know this is supposed to be a spotlight on where I live...

Aberdeen, but one of the really, really special treats about living here is its proximity to Edinburgh. 

Yes...

go ahead...

click on Edinburgh and see how many times I have enjoyed this city.

Only a two and a half hour train ride south and you are there...

 so when Ren Man was invited to the rugby game, we made a weekend out of it.

What we know as Veteran's Day back home is celebrated as Remembrance Sunday here.

Visual reminders appear weeks before...

 leading up to November 11th.

Poppies are ubiquitous...

 on lapels and scarfs...

reminding us of lives lost in battle and also the symbol for the British Legions fundraiser for wounded vets and their families.

In Edinburgh...

near the Sir Walter Scott Memorial...

'The Garden of Remembrance' allows people to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country by planting a poppy cross bearing the name of loved ones gone but not forgotten.

Since the Scotland vs. New Zealand game fell on Remembrance Day,

the festive atmosphere had its serious and somber moments. 

Before the match...

an armistice service was held,

while later...

in the crowd of 67,000 the stadium fell silent... 

"The guns will be silent on Remembrance Day
We'll all say a prayer on Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day - say a little prayer
On Remembrance Day"

... Bryan Adams

a single shot was fired ...

followed by an army bugler and then a lone piper...

piercing the silence above the hushed crowd.

In the U.S.A., today is the observance of

Veterans Day...

 when all armed service veterans who serve their country are honored.

Thanks to my Dad and scores of others who have and still are bravely representing the best of the United States of America.

Happy Monday!