Growing up in the 60s I loved folk music. This particular song “Where have all the flowers gone?” Was a favourite of mine. It was the time of draft dodgers crossing the American border into Canada. Our country became a somewhat safe haven for young American men in preventing their death in a war many of my generation were totally against. Now in my latter years of life I find I continue to be so disheartened by the never ending wars in our world. I used to feel such an honour to be part of Remembrance Day services, laying a wreath at the cenotaph on behalf of IODE, the women’s group I belonged to. Today I question more & more why we do this. Yes, it is important to remember those who have given their lives for the good of humankind, to honour their memory. But I thought Remembrance Day was supposed to be all about remembering so it doesn’t happen again. But so far that has happened, has it? I am beginning to realize that all this pomp & ceremony on such days is NOT preventing war at all; rather it seems to me it “glorifies “ war! When will “we” ever learn? For it takes many like minds to change the world. That’s what I think.
I wish I could write something different, but I don't think we will ever learn. I did a quick google search and while there are many answers, none good, and the first one says, "Historians might quibble over the exact details, but by most accounts, there are no periods in history that have been free from war."
I can do my very best to be kind, to foster peace, to listen to others, to not "other" people and cultures, to help where I can and when I am able, but unfortunately that's not going to stop war and conflict. Most humans are kind and good and just want peace (I believe/my experience). But so many are angry, sad, emotionally unwell, greedy, full of vengeance, etc., etc., and leaders of countries need to look and act powerful. Those are the people who fight, want war, think war will work, think war will bring peace, think retribution will stop the "other" from ever messing with them again, think building war machines and ammo will keep us safe (completely missing that others are also building war machines and ammo). Stupid, stupid, stupid. The lyrics to that song are haunting and poignant. Yes, when will we ever learn? However, that won't stop me (and others) from continuing to hope and live lives that foster peace. This now is imperative.
Love the change of THEY to WE. What does it mean to "love your enemies" in 2023? What is our personal responsibility? It is hard work to listen to all sides and to respect without buying into the verbal violence. Today in the news, there was a peace protest calling for a Ceasefire - but then someone was carrying a swastika? (not suggesting that we annihilate Jews but that the current Israeli state is like Germany 1939.) That kind of depiction just invites another wave of conflict and deflects our attention from building peace.
Growing up in the 60s I loved folk music. This particular song “Where have all the flowers gone?” Was a favourite of mine. It was the time of draft dodgers crossing the American border into Canada. Our country became a somewhat safe haven for young American men in preventing their death in a war many of my generation were totally against. Now in my latter years of life I find I continue to be so disheartened by the never ending wars in our world. I used to feel such an honour to be part of Remembrance Day services, laying a wreath at the cenotaph on behalf of IODE, the women’s group I belonged to. Today I question more & more why we do this. Yes, it is important to remember those who have given their lives for the good of humankind, to honour their memory. But I thought Remembrance Day was supposed to be all about remembering so it doesn’t happen again. But so far that has happened, has it? I am beginning to realize that all this pomp & ceremony on such days is NOT preventing war at all; rather it seems to me it “glorifies “ war! When will “we” ever learn? For it takes many like minds to change the world. That’s what I think.
I wish I could write something different, but I don't think we will ever learn. I did a quick google search and while there are many answers, none good, and the first one says, "Historians might quibble over the exact details, but by most accounts, there are no periods in history that have been free from war."
I can do my very best to be kind, to foster peace, to listen to others, to not "other" people and cultures, to help where I can and when I am able, but unfortunately that's not going to stop war and conflict. Most humans are kind and good and just want peace (I believe/my experience). But so many are angry, sad, emotionally unwell, greedy, full of vengeance, etc., etc., and leaders of countries need to look and act powerful. Those are the people who fight, want war, think war will work, think war will bring peace, think retribution will stop the "other" from ever messing with them again, think building war machines and ammo will keep us safe (completely missing that others are also building war machines and ammo). Stupid, stupid, stupid. The lyrics to that song are haunting and poignant. Yes, when will we ever learn? However, that won't stop me (and others) from continuing to hope and live lives that foster peace. This now is imperative.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment
Love the change of THEY to WE. What does it mean to "love your enemies" in 2023? What is our personal responsibility? It is hard work to listen to all sides and to respect without buying into the verbal violence. Today in the news, there was a peace protest calling for a Ceasefire - but then someone was carrying a swastika? (not suggesting that we annihilate Jews but that the current Israeli state is like Germany 1939.) That kind of depiction just invites another wave of conflict and deflects our attention from building peace.
So true! Thanks for sharing.