Today, Remembrance Sunday, coincides for once with Armistice Day, the 11th November when we call to mind the end of the First World War in 1918.
Some people might question why we pause to remember when all of those who took part in the First World War have passed on and the surviving veterans of the Second World War are old men. Yet it is important that we do remember - not just those who died in the two world wars but those who've given up their lives in other conflicts since. Mankind is notoriously bad at remembering - and learning from - the mistakes of history. This is why it's all the more important that we pause to reflect upon the human cost of war.
It might reasonably be said that some wars such as the Second World War and the Falklands Conflict are necessary, unavoidable evils to safeguard freedom or protect sovereign territory. Other wars, of which Vietnam, Iraq and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan might be cited as examples, have more to do with men's politicial ambitions and the need for them might properly be called into question. Either way, men - and nowadays women - in our Armed Forces are called upon to risk their lives in incredibly dangerous theatres of conflict. The knowledge that lives, often young lives, are routinely laid waste in the folly we call warfare should humble us all. It is therefore all the more important that we take time out to pause, reflect, and above all remember, those who have made - and continue to make - the ultimate sacrifice.
We will remember them!
Some people might question why we pause to remember when all of those who took part in the First World War have passed on and the surviving veterans of the Second World War are old men. Yet it is important that we do remember - not just those who died in the two world wars but those who've given up their lives in other conflicts since. Mankind is notoriously bad at remembering - and learning from - the mistakes of history. This is why it's all the more important that we pause to reflect upon the human cost of war.
It might reasonably be said that some wars such as the Second World War and the Falklands Conflict are necessary, unavoidable evils to safeguard freedom or protect sovereign territory. Other wars, of which Vietnam, Iraq and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan might be cited as examples, have more to do with men's politicial ambitions and the need for them might properly be called into question. Either way, men - and nowadays women - in our Armed Forces are called upon to risk their lives in incredibly dangerous theatres of conflict. The knowledge that lives, often young lives, are routinely laid waste in the folly we call warfare should humble us all. It is therefore all the more important that we take time out to pause, reflect, and above all remember, those who have made - and continue to make - the ultimate sacrifice.
We will remember them!