A Hard Call to Make

Foxhole Display, Imperial War Museum, London, England

In honor of Veterans Day, we thank all of the Veterans of our nation and those allied with her who helped make our freedom and good lives possible.
 
On this date 95 years ago, the major hostilities of World War I (aka the Great War) came to an end.  Celebrated as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in some countries, today is now dedicated to all Veterans, not just those who served in WWI.


In our time, calling on the telephone is easy.  During World War I, a phone-like wireless (radio) was used to communicate by voice.  Poor sound quality mixed with nearby artillery made its use difficult, at best.

Calm Waters

River Thames and Royal Palace and Fortress, London, England
The calm waters of the River Thames belie the dramatic history of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, better known as the Tower of London.

Thamer Than the Tower

Tower Bridge, London, England
Unlike the nearby Tower of London, the Tower Bridge houses no torture chambers, just a museum and bridge equipment.

Hackney Carriages

Cabs for Hire, London, England
Our first cab experience in London was unsettling. We were riding from Victoria Station to our hotel. We and our luggage were all placed in the rear compartment (the back seat and a huge open space) with no seat belts. The driver was in a rush to get us there and get his next fare and our unsecured luggage was rolling and tossing onto us. Thankfully, because of London's wonderful tube system, we did not need to hire a cab again until returning to Victoria Station at the end of our visit.

Unlike our actual ride to our hotel, this picture evokes a relaxed bygone era. When we think of London's black cabs, we usually think of this picture.