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From: geriatric1927
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  • Hello there, I think your name is Peter, I have just started watching your videos early morning 2AM 23/12/11. Your videos are very interesting! Keep up the good work! I would like to send you love and best wishes for Christmas from me and my family. I look forward to watching your other videos. It's great your supplying us with your interesting stories.

  • Flanders Fields is a beautiful, really important poem in Canada. It is written on our 5$ bill, thank you very much for sharing this.

    Thanks, from Vancouver, Canada.

  • I never understood the need for war...

  • I love your videos. And I just started watching them today. You have the best advice. And I admire that you are using youtube for good, not bad. And I also admire your courage to do youtube. I don't see much senoires doing youtube. I also subscribed to you today. And just so you know, I'm realy 12.

  • I love your videos. And I just started watching them today. You have the best advice. And I admire that you are using youtube for good, not bad. And I also admire your courage to do youtube. I don't see much senoires doing youtube. I also subscribed to you today. And just so you know, I'm realy 12.

  • It must be quite irritating to keep hearing the same questions over and over again...maybe you should consider making a playlist of all the videos where you talk about the war? It would make it easier for people to know which videos to watch if they want to learn about your experience of WW2.

  • here in america, you better believe that patriots are very rare. most of us who do fly flags do so because our family members are at war or something. most americans don't really like this country a lot. usually, everyone is mad at the govt. no matter who they vote for. if you think we're proud of our coutry you've been hugely misinformed. and like you said, it's the same here. we don't try to get along at all until something bad happens.

  • Your right about the state of this country, where we were once united, patriotc and moral, we our now selfish and fickle. Britain's dead.

  • i have to say that this is one of the best blogs on youtube, im 15 years old and even i find it really interesting! keep it up:)

  • you ignorant slob!

  • what a rude direspectful individual you are,

    was ther any need for you nasty comments and your vile language if you can't say nice yhings shut up.

  • what a pity you are such a rude sad individual

    did it make you feel better to voice your vile commentsto this elderly gentleman if you can't say something nice shut up

  • nice easy button!!

  • You are a great story teller.  I enjoy listening to them.

  • You're a very interesting person. Maybe you should more videos of your personal experiences in England through WW2 even if you didn't serve in the military...

  • Fought and died for todays privaleges, privaleges that are all too soon forgotten in the face of rampant consumerism.

    Peter, all of your videos are a valid contribution to the field of oral history I think. I dont know if youve done anything like that in the past but you should sign up for some interviews since oral history is now a very established mode. Museums and university archives are always on the lookout for good primary sources whilst they are still available.

  • Your the man peter.

  • That you very much Peter, I've been with you from the very start, Love you're videos.

  • You are so right. My father is about 10 years older than you are. He experienced war first-hand and does not ever want to talk about it. Although we might be curious about what happened, to him it is not an object of curiosity but one of horrors that are best not spoken about. You are marvelous and we love you!

  • why?

  • hey, nice to hear from you again peter. hope u r well :) xxx

  • i don't think England has less pride in their country then us here in the US. The US is extremely divided. The flags are more a symbol of support for the troops over seas but not for support of the war itself

  • haha! cute easy button :)

  • Great blog as always. I love listening to you talk.

  • OMFG!!!!

    YOU HAVE AN EASY BUTTON!!!

    where did you get it

    ?

  • My friend has one as well, you can get them at office depot I think...

  • I didn't know that about the poppies! That is really really significant. When I buy them now I can wear them knowing even more about that, it makes it more significant.

  • sadly my point about young people being gratefull for there freedom and expression, has fallen on deaf ears with some people, but many others respect your views peter.

  • Such a shame that the good days you recalled are no longer realized. Your feelings about such matters resemble my own feelings about such. Many homeland Americans sacrificed greatly to support the war effort in WWII. I'm not sure that spirit could be revived today even if needed.

    Thank you Peter, you are a great inspiration.

  • just cause we watch his videos weve adopted him? when u watch a show do u think uve adopted the stars?

  • Er... why are you listening then? And why are you slagging off some genuinely nice guy who would probably put you up in his house if you turned up at his door half starved.

    Like it or not, people over 60 are generally nicer, less cynical and much more respectful of others than us young folk, I think. And this is YouTube. There are some genuine assholes on here... why not go insult them instead?

  • Otaking, I love Peter.

    My observational humour is a little dry I know, but fair play, the guy is a great man.

    However, you must have your own grandparents to visit? It's not healthy adopting him, its like those women who steal babies from hospitals when they can concieve.

  • thank you for telling such great stories, Peter. Keep it up. I look forward to listening to what you have to say every time I see a new video in my subscription feed.

    Thank you again!

  • my grandpa fought at Guadal Canal in the Pacific, RIP died 2006 at age 92,long live the greater generation!

  • You are a very wise man Peter, I enjoy listening to you :)

  • my dad took part in the war, and was in france, i hope young people never forget what our dads brothers, sons, did to set us free, my dad was also involved in the british legion, and sold the poppies, thankyou peter for your comments.

  • Slap WHO'S face??? It best not be Peters!!!

  • hey peter ;D good to have u back

  • Great stuff. Truly. Every time I get frightened that you might say something boring, you surprise me with something super-interesting! Keep it up! You're like the discovery channel of Youtube. I don't feel guilty for watching you because I'm learning as I'm entertained.

  • He's a good old dood.

  • wow peter you are so wise

  • It's about 9 am in the USA on Thursday 11/18/2007. Agian your words of Wisdom is great. Keep up the wonderful stories and tell it all.

  • Peter, you're sound and lighting are excellent, you are a seasoned vlogger. My father was too young to be involved in WWII but became involved in the cold war and served in Germany. It was a Canadian Soldier that wrote a poem called Flanders field I remember reciting it when I was young. I was John McCrae.

  • Cheer up! Since 1945 it is not granted to Germany to be proud of itself. Even my Generation (the 80s), and I bet my children and grandchildren too, have to be ashamed of what happened between 1933 and 1945. That's hardly fair, but such is life.

  • this guy is awesome!!

  • Many Americans are also not proud of our country. They believe that our power is the source of all evil in the world and would be prepared to readily retire our power.

    We make many mistakes. However, suggestions to remedy our mistakes, would be much better than unconstructive criticism. Unfortunately, partisan politics and the media contribute significantly to this negativity.

    I only hope that one day the current generation can live up to the challenges facing us, as earlier generations did.

  • I used to work for the government and we were only allowed to fly the flag on certain dates, such as a 'Royal'birthday, or on receipt of specific instructions to do so. Even when Princess Diana died we were not allowed to put the flag up at half mast until the upper echelons issued permission.

  • Hey Peter! Got any ghost stories for Halloween?!

  • Hi Peter, my dad was in WWII and was on the USS Intrepid, he never talked much about it, but then again he and I never got along long enough to sit and talk before he died.

  • Great to see another video Peter. Wise words as always, i am proud of England and for what we stand for. I completely agree with what you are saying, but now we start to remember the people that have fought for us in the past i think it is the perfect time to show we are proud of our country, once again this year, i will wear my poppy with pride.

    Thankyou for the great video Peter.

  • I learnt most of what I know about WW1 ands 2 from poetry. I still don't know enough-but then I shy away from the gory details. Still, we can always learn from the past.

  • Peter, your words of wisdom are like gospel. Thank you for taking the time to share your views. They are valued and appreciated!

    Tom

  • Peter you are correct in your assumption. Our leaders of this generation are not the same as of the past.

    Peter maybe next time you can talk about life as a lad and the differences you see between then and now.

  • What is there to be proud about?...I think people are less naive than they used to be, they can see through the government and its corrupt policies, this is why no one is proud to be part of England anymore.

  • I like that you take time to explain your thoughts to young people, who send you questions.

    Thank you for the story of the poppies, and for reading the excerpt from, "In Flanders Fields."

  • Thanx! I always wanted to know the story behind the poppy's. I asked around, one visit to London, while everybody was wearing them, but nobody new.

  • Great to see you again. Thank you for reading Flanders Field...haven't thought about that in years. mc

  • Hi Again Peter,

    I believe it is sad and wrong that a Nation cannot fly its Own Flag without so called causing Offence to someone of another Culture living in the same country,

    But that is what it has come to that so many gave their Lives for!

    Best Regards,

    Drew

  • Hi Peter,

    Nice to see you back doing what you do best,

    Perhaps the Union Jack is not flown in England as we now live in a multi cultural society and it is Offensive to some people and even banned in parts of the U.K

    This is closer to the truth!

    You will see the Cornish flag flown in Cornwall & Proudly so :-)

    Best Regards,

    Drew

  • I agree with you, Peter. Leave the blood for computer games only.

    I adore your videos. You were the 1st person I subscribed to here on Youtube AND after 16 subscriptions you are still my favourite (and will always be :-]_

  • The sageness this video displays is the sageness of a Yoda.

  • There are times when I thank god for being born in 1980 in Germany. War and violence are the languages of the stupid.

  • Great story peter

  • You are a wonderful man and I really enjoy your thoughts and comments. Have a great day!

  • I struggle with the notion of a "country". National causes and borders are really just made up by politicians. Different cultures and language and land I understand, but at the end of the day there is really just a world, facing common challenges like the effects of pollution. We need to defend the world instead of "countries".

  • Americans for the most part are still very patriotic/nationalistic.

  • Wow! Totally agreed...

  • It is sad to think that so many of my peers are heading out over-seas to fight an unknown enemy and not knowing when they can come back. There is a difference between valor, chivalry, and blood-hunger.

    I just hope everybody's friends and family members come home safely.

  • Was just stating a point of view, there is no need to be so rude and assume that because myself and others are not people of war make them less human. That goes the same for those whom are war-hungry.

    Just as mammothmouse1959 had said, war is not pretty. Although it may be a necessity sometimes which is rarely the case, war does not make you a better person.

  • Lot's of Councils in the UK do not allow you to fly the flag, be it the Union Flag or the St George Cross, in fact we were asked to remove a flag so as not to upset the Muslim population in our area, also we no longer have a Christmas Tree in the town centre at that time of year.

  • that's unbelievable

  • BUT TRUE - Welcome to the UK of Tony Blair 2007!

  • In my town, Clydebank, our local authority requires the Scottish flag to be flown on almost every public building.

    And since our win at football against the Ukraine at the weekend, there are a lot more Scottish flags to be seen!

    We're very proud of our identity, but not at all in the superior way in which nationalism is often viewed around the world.

  • It is a frightening sign of things to come. Not only that a group of people enjoying the benefits of a country would be offended by the mere sight of its flag, but also -- and much worse -- that the authorities in that country would allow themselves to be manipulated in this way.

  • I am Canadian and I don't fly a flag but I am proud of our history (perhaps not our current gov. but...meh).

  • Great Video.

    Free Hugs From Tx

    RundoeTX

  • i am glad you are not talking about the heroism at war times. Books are full of those things, but they are lacking "normal life". The life people lived in towns and out in the country. I have asked my grandparents about their life during that time too. so thank you very much for telling us more about what you experienced!

  • LisaAvon, war is not romantic.

    War is deadly and destructive in every imaginable aspect.

    Ask ANY veteran about that.

  • Dear LisaAvon,

    I hope you will be old and wise enough one day, to fully understand your reaction.

    Just take a walk with a veteran, crying over the graves of his fallen friends and comrades, killed before his very own eyes, and realise how very, very wrong you are.

    You never win a war. If you are lucky, sometimes (and only sometimes) you don't loose it. And have to live with the haunting memories forever afterwards. The sounds and smells and visuals, every day and night again.

  • Unfortunately war is one of those things we cannot always get away from but I think it is unfair to say that it is was defines a man and that those whom do not participate are weak.

  • LisaAvon, I don't need a gun in my hands to be brave.  War isn't always the right thing.

  • i dont think everyone felt brave with a gun in their hands, in the wars men had no choice but to carry a gun, it was kill or be killed, they were forced to fight for their country, and in earlier wars they were shot at dawn, if they did not comply, all war is terrible, but i think we should always know the sacrifices that were made for your freedom and mine.

  • If my contry was facing a massive invasion I would gladly do my part, but I can barely kill spiders.

  • at least you are honest, i cant kill spiders either, and if i do i carry a lot of guilt, cos they were someones child, seriously thanks for your reply.

  • hahaha

  • and see you soon..thanks

  • sincere and fascinating watch it all riveted.

    esp comments on british flag - deemed un-PC and taboo but so true.

  • In Flanders fields the poppies blow

    Between the crosses, row on row

    That mark our place; and in the sky

    The larks, still bravely singing, fly

    Scarce heard amid the guns below.

    We are the Dead. Short days ago

    We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

    Loved and were loved, and now we lie

    In Flanders fields.

  • Take up our quarrel with the foe:

    To you from failing hands we throw

    The torch; be yours to hold it high.

    If ye break faith with us who die

    We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

    In Flanders fields.

    - John McCrae

  • this poem never fails to give me chills

  • I wish that you could get back to doing regular vids on here,I know that you are busy and I am very happy for all your success..just miss the relaxing and interesting style vlogs that you do! The ONLY true celeb on YouTube...Geriatric1927! Keep on keeping on my friend.

  • Fake patriotism is an insult to the concept of freedom and previous generations that weren't so lucky to have such a generous world dropped into its lap. You love your country by defending it (literally if necessary), questioning it, and attempting to correct its faults, while taking pride that you are lucky enough to be part of a civilization. That's the way to progress and security.

    There is much to learn from England's ordeal, and I'm honored that Peter has shared his profound perspective.

  • wow the oldest person on youtube yet so great at making videos your pretty good i have subscribed and going to add you as a friend

  • Perhaps the world could do with less flag waving and jingoism. What if each day was assigned to a different country; their flag was flown, their people remembered and their country honoured.

  • I think we're pretty close to that here, with the exception of days for most European countries (notable exceptions, Italy and Ireland). We have days or whole months for various nationalities.

  • Peter, I have sent you a message on this subject, but am not sure the system is working, so would appreciate if you could acknowledge receipt.

  • Interesting points about national feeling. I think the main difference now is that people have unprecedented access to information on what is happening, instead of just the propoganda from our news services. People feel no less sorry for the troops. But now they realise the politicians design and craft many of these wars for one nations personal gain over another. Not so much to be proud of there.

  • How old were you when you lost your virginity? Were you married? What was your favourite song when you were 15? When did you first try alcohol & or cigarettes? Ever smoke pot? Whats the fastest speed you've ever driven a car. What percentage of people in you neighborhood went to church when you were 25? I'm just curious, thanks. Dumfree.

  • you remind me of mister rogers, from mister rogers neighborhood :)

  • Thank you once again.

  • good to see you grandad

  • another great video

    kudos

  • Great video :)

  • Noticed your keywords. I had to read "In Flanders Fields" for Memorial Day a long, long time ago.

  • wonderful insight to the story

  • Thanks...

  • Unfortunately, the young people do not simply enjoy the privildeges that you and your generation fought for. They abuse them sometimes. Some of todays youth would not survive what you and yours had to endure!

    Great video! Keep up the great work!

  • Thanks for the info

  • This is the first video I've seen of yours and you are terrific. Thank you so much for sharing your life and I look forward to seeing much more of you.

  • nice to see you back

    grandad

  • It's wonderful to see you back doing the videos that captivate me so. Your gentle manner and loving nature draw my attention. The world needs a leader who is just like you. Maybe then the wars would stop. If only everyone thought the way you do...imagine. How

    lovely.

  • hello sir!

    would it be possible to talk about after the war? i think it may get a bit depressing concentrating on the slightly bad times of our past but also theyre some of our best times,people comign together etc :)

    take care!

    rob :)

  • thats exactly right no one would want to relive that! and most people wont realise that! but you are extremly clever and an amazingly wise person who has a great understanding of life! i hope im as nice as u wen im ur age!

  • I think you're a very wise person and bring it out in a kind of subtle and down to earth way. Great video about a common subject, I always love your approach to these sort of serious subjects such as war.

  • Your tales of the past are always a fascination, Peter. I love your recollections, and your insight.

    Moosie

  • Bye Peter. Thanks for sharing.

  • Patriotism is such a complex set of emotions and thoughts. Nowadays we Americans are torn between our love of country, embarrassment over mistakes and confusion over being viewed as an evil force by much of the world. The days of "set piece" wars is passed as warfare has now become embedded in daily life. Very different from recent history; very frightening. Thanks, as always.

  • Nothing like history for a little perspective. Excellent job, Peter. Thanks.

  • Very happy to have found your videos, Grandad Peter; I am going backward to catch up on your 'telling it all', but wanted to listen to the current offering here as well.

    As a keen poetry fan, I particularly enjoyed your quote from Flanders Fields. And agree with you that while we should remember, our focus should be forward. Many thanks.

  • I like what you had to say about patriotism. I can't imagine not being patriotic when we and other counties are so fortunate. I myself have caught a lot of flack for saying that I'm grateful to be an American and to be in this country. Perhaps they are offended in part because they do not express patriotism for their country. Is it wrong to be proud of where we come from?

    I so enjoy your vlogs. I look forward to hearing more of your life.

  • WOW. Glad you're back with some feelings and stories. Home front in the late 30s, 40s is just fine. Rationed butter and raise your own chickens. I love it. Keep it up!!

  • Another supremely interesting video. I love your style!

  • Nice video!

    Today I've found an American handgrate from the WW2.

  • Good to see you back Peter! We always enjoy your video's. I accidentally loaded that GeezerArt tribute movie also but I'm sure you don't mind. (Freida) Silly me!

  • Excellent video Peter, your best in a while.

    Nice words of wisdom about wars. The poppy is a perfect symbol to remember wars, especially WW1. The poppies seem to represent the bodies that were buried in the ground. :)

  • I dont think i'm more at ease than when listening to your stories.

  • jimmy, I agree completely. Whether the subject matter is light or serious, there is a serene thread that runs through all of Peter's videos. Watching and listening to Peter is like hanging out in a warm cozy room with good friends and feeling content.

  • Nice to see you back telling it all, enjoyed it lots Pete :) .

  • hi peter, im am 13 years old and live in Boston MA. i tell you this because you speak with great wisdom . i am a stubburn boy and hard to understand sometimes, but youre videos really hit home with me. living in a big city when terrisom is thriving is scary. sometimes ai have to cry myself to sleep unfortunetly.

  • I'm glad you posted this just like it is. If you at times cry yourself to sleep... then that is the way it is. I'm glad you shared. Takes guts to let your personal walls down.

  • thanks

  • I like the Puuh bear. Is this a present or something like that?

  • I love your videos Peter! Great stories!!

  • Peter you can remove the response if you wish unless you like it, very appropriate as its about peace between Ireland and the North.

    James

  • Quezcatol, that is really very simple:

    Just by forgetting the past.

  • Welcome back Peter!

  • Great video geriatric..love it

  • Thankyou for sharing that with us :) I really enjoy your videos

  • geri you are so sweet and nice, you're so awesome!

  • good to see telling it all back peter

  • Well said Peter! I too hope for the day when the only blood and gore would be on computer games!

  • hi Peter ~ i love listening and to your stories ~ makes me miss my pop

    do you think we will ever have a time when there are no wars ?

    We Will Remember Them

  • Always a pleasure to watch you, Peter. I suppose like many others, I felt inspired to start my own channel partly after watching how confidently you manage it. Telling stuff that I know has brought me over 100 subscribers, so I guess I have to thank you, Peter.

  • It's nice to get back to these sorts of videos :)

    However, I have to agree about the lack of nationalism. I've had no love for Britain since I was old enough to dismiss most religions as complete nonsense. This is because I look around and see a government that can't tell its arse for its economic elbow, and a police force being about as effective as a pillow-based riot shield. How can I love this country when crimes go unpunished, and benefits are used in place of a job?

  • DrFr4g, can you tell me what religion has got to do with government and economics? I think that you are unloading your feelings ad hoc. If you want a good reliable Britian then you have to trust in it and clear all the free loaders.

  • Well I have my St. George's cross flying in my front garden! Shame everyone couldn't do it.

  • **Response to my last comment**

    As I said I have my St. George's cross flying all year around, and because I live in a multi-cultural area, lots of Muslims have complained to the council about it! I find this terrible!

  • All the harship of war should be studied to recognise what we went through. I was only a tot when I suffered the lost of my father, hunger etc.and when I joined the RN I found myself in three theatres of war. They are not fun.

  • that was nice.

  • Hi Peter this is only 2nd vid of yours I watched and if you can vlog I can vlog for another few years, with 105 subs to entertain.

  • Good video Pete and England is the greatest contry in the world bar none.

  • I think a british flag in your front yard, or on that hill out back would be beautiful. I have an American flag flying on the front of my house just reminds me of how great our country is. That's interesting about the Poppies growing after the bombs who would have thought that destuction would create life.

  • My grandfather is about the same age as you are. He lives in Scheveningen, and has lived there all his life. Scheveningen is by the sea, and the Germans were all over Scheveningen. He told me a lot of stories about WW2.

    Holland is the same when it comes to flying our flag. I was in the US this summer, and I was amazed by their patriotism. We don't fly our flags, except when there's a football game. Pretty sad actually.

  • Hey Peter, another wonderful video. Thankyou. =D

  • Thanks Pete, That was extremely insightful.