The Point Of Reconnaissance (VE Day), Maidstone

As today was 80th anniversary of VE Day we felt we really should go into town to see the flag raising ceremony at the Town Hall. It's so important that we never forget those who gave their lives fighting tyranny, fascism and totalitarianism, especially as we are facing these things again and not learning the lessons from history.
When we got to Jubilee Square the ceremony had already started so we couldn't get close enough to capture images due to the crowds so I decided to take a photograph of those looking on (see the first extra). After the flag raising ceremony had finished we were a bit disappointed that we hadn't managed to take the photographs we wanted so we decided to take a break and go for a late breakfast and a pint at the 'Spoons nearby. Suitably revived we headed back to the Square where some of the reenactors, who also wanted to pay their respects, had gathered and that's when I took the two shots I was really pleased with.
I got talking to the man in the British Reconnaissance uniform (he was such a lovely warm-hearted fellow) and he told me some fascinating information about the battledress he was wearing. The standard short jacket made of cotton was designed to be practical and comfortable but only came it two sizes - small and large. He also said that at the beginning of the war the breast pockets had pleats in them but as it continued these were removed to save on material. He also mentioned the fact that in hot weather the material becomes more and more itchy so he had "shaved" the inside of his jacket to reduce the discomfort! He also told me that when these uniforms got wet they became very heavy and took a long time to dry out. This contrasted with American uniforms which were much more tailored to fit. While talking to him the man who looked like he was dressed at General S. Patton played his part to perfection and pointed straight at me and there was my image for the day! I'm not quite sure why the man wearing the Puma jacket was giving me the hard stare but it really added to the composition so I didn't mind.
The second extra was where I thought I just had to ask if I could take his portrait and he willingly obliged. His jeep had about four or five of his dogs taking up the seats and I loved how the little terrier in the front passenger seat really revealed his defiant personality. Afterwards we had a little chat and then we wished each other a good day.
In all seriousness, though, it really made me reflect and be so grateful for the sacrifices the generation who went to war made for all of us so we could be free. We cannot and must not forget those lessons and we must fight back against the likes of Trump, Farage, Erdogan, Orban, Netanyahu, Le Pen and the like. They want to crush everything that all those valiant people fought and died for.