All the little angels rise up, rise up

[badseed1980]

"That's a nice song," said young Sam, and Vimes remembered that he was hearing it for the first time.
"It's an old soldiers' song," he said.
"Really, sarge? But it's about angels."
Yes, thought Vimes, and it's amazing what bits those angels cause to rise up as the song progresses. It's a real soldiers' song: sentimental, with dirty bits.
"As I recall, they used to sing it after battles," he said. "I've seen old men cry when they sing it," he added.
"Why? It sounds cheerful."
They were remembering who they were not singing it with, thought Vimes. You'll learn. I know you will. "

--Terry Pratchett, Nightwatch

For all those who were there: both those whose voices are missed during the dirty bits, and those who remember those voices. With gratitude, from those of us who weren't there.

Comments

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

Thanks, from one who was there.

[cuddlycthulhu.livejournal.com]

That book almost made me cry in several places.

Honestly, of his later work, that was one of Terry's best.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Yeah, same here. I love that one.

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

No almost about it, for me.

I did

[deadwinter.livejournal.com]

The old vets along the parade route were bemused at the tall Snowtrooper going up to them and thanking them for their service.

Re: I did

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

That's awesome.

Re: I did

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

Thank YOU.

[shakti-lemaris.livejournal.com]

Best Memorial Day tribute ever.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

That whole book is the best Memorial Day tribute ever.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

A perfect quote for this feeling, from a wonderful book. Thank you.