Armistice Day
I prefer the older designation of today at Armistice Day rather than Remembrance Day. It is the anniversary of the armistice signed to end the first World War on the 11/11 at the 11th hour.
It reminds me of the irony that it was to be the end of the, "War to End All Wars", which, of course it wasn't. It was the beginning of a century of wars which seem to be continuing into another century, as a way to resolve international disputes. Armistice Day reminds us of the end of an unnecessary war which was particularly horrible for the common soldiers who fought it under terrible physical condition, which we may never see again. Unfortunately, the sacrifice of our youth in war is an even less of a deterrent today. We no longer see tens of thousands of soldiers kill in single battles. It seem wars of the future will be robotic wars fought by soldiers half way around the world directing drone attacks as if they were playing a computer war game.
Innocent civilians will continue to be the greatest casualties of war. There is no Remembrance Day for them, sadly.
I have the greatest respect for those soldiers that answer their Nation's call if they truly believe in the justice of the cause. Unfortunately, with perhaps, the exception of the Second World War their have been no just wars since that armistice day. I would have more respect for soldiers if they refused to fight in unjust and illegal wars. There are few this heroic as we are trained all our lives to obey our political leaders.
I have always been impressed with the continued remembrance of the Canadian soldiers who liberated the low countries of Belgium and the Netherlands. It was largely Canadians who were tasked with this theatre of war in WWII while the Americans and British armies pushed on to greater glory in liberating Paris and then reaching Berlin ahead of the Russians. The people of the low countries have never forgotten the sacrifice and efforts of Canadians. They continue to teach, three generations on, their young people of Canada's effort on their behalf. It is emotional and humbling to see their continued tribute to Canadians.
Lynne sent me this touching video of a Belgium boy dressed in a Canadian uniform saluting some Canadian soldiers, who acknowledge his salute.
May we continue to rededicate ourselves to the slogan of Canadian veterans "Never Again!"
We could best honour those who fought and lost their lives in war if we stuggled harder to avoid future wars. Our youth are too precious to sacrifice in wars of their elders.
Bloody War. . .. . The Cause
When greed sups with the devil
And principles are shed
When power is corrupted
And truth stands on its head
When fear pervades the confused mind
And fools are easy led
When reason is a prisoner
The bell tolls for the dead.
Tom Walker ( an veteran sailor, still alive in 2010)
posted by Tossing Pebbles in the Stream @ 9:28 a.m.
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2 Comments:
I find this post poignant and emotive. I especially feel for the troops of WW2 who were conscripted or volunteered out of a sense of duty. They weren't career soldiers like those of today but gave their all.
They joined for many reasons, to march, to sail, to fly. They went where they were posted but nobody joins to die. Their leaders talk on TV what else could we have done? But those leaders lost no daughters and none has lost a son. So heres to all our soldiers wherever they may be..and heres to all their families, I raise a glass to thee..
Wear your Poppy with Pride
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