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Armistice 100, the hundredth anniversary of the ending of the First World War, is a day that cannot be ignored by the older generation and certainly should be brought to the attention of younger people who possibly may regard the war as a remote event in the past that is of little concern to them today. In simple terms it is a day when most British people wear a red poppy and quietly pray and hope that war will never happen again.
The Great War or “The War to End All Wars” did nothing of the kind. Why? Because lessons about the causes of wars failed to be learned by those in power and because the general public took too little interest.
I remember many years ago in the early 70s travelling on a special train to Glasgow to take part in a CND march from Faslane to Glasgow. Yes, I suspect some readers will already be labelling me as a “leftie” but please show me enough respect to read on. I remember the antagonism between those who supported the traditional Remembrance Sunday ceremonies and those who supported CND’s disarmament aims.
For many years I pondered the reasons for this animosity since after all we all, those at the Cenotaph and those on the march, were all seeking the same thing - world peace. Why is it that as you read this you hackles may be rising perceiving an attack on Britain’s Great Armed Forces and Establishment?
Before going further into this minefield of human emotion and sensitivity, I must emphasise that I hold the deepest of respect for all those who suffered, were maimed and often died in both wars not to mention their bereaved families and loved ones. My belief is that by taking greater account of the causes of conflict in war we can genuinely contribute to peace and help to ensure it never happens again.
One of the causes of war is the excessive emphasis placed on nationalism and patriotism to the exclusion of other peoples and nations. In encouraging international understanding and cooperation we contribute to removing the causes of war.
The Sacrifices made by those who suffered and whom we commemorate each November need to be recognised, not in militaristic pomp and circumstance which seem to manifest our readiness for another conflict, but rather by a clear demonstration of our willingness to seek world peace.
There are two distinct ways to approach this. One is to distrust all and strengthen our readiness for conflict. To isolate ourselves from other nations and to be ready to defend ourselves. To maintain our armed forces in readiness for any eventuality. To keep the Trident defence system ready and armed and our military as the best trained in the world. And of course to sing heartily “God Save the Queen”. And not least to pay our respects to those who were lost and suffered in the pursuit of these policies.
Another way that I believe is more positive and which shows even greater respect and humility before the suffering and waste of the past, is to consider ways in which the causes of war can be removed for ever. If we do this we can genuinely express our gratitude to those who died, suffered and were maimed and empathise with those families who still suffer the losses to this day and offer our prayers for a more peaceful future.
A hundred years ago today, as we all know, the Armistice that ended the Great War was signed in the Forest of Compiègne in the famous railway carriage. Amongst the various provisions in the surrender that the Germans signed, were heavy reparation payments which contributed to the impoverishment of Germany and its humiliation. It was these seeds that caused the Germans to seek a scapegoat for their ills and the natural business acumen of the Jews steadily drew bitterness from the German public that Hitler was more than happy to exploit. We all know the rest. “Peace in our time”, that well known phrase by Chamberlain, was already a step too few and a step too late.
Since 1921 some have worn a white poppy instead of a red one. This became a symbol of the Peace Pledge Union who stated “There are three elements to the meaning of white poppies: they represent remembrance for all victims of war, a commitment to peace and a challenge to attempts to glamorise or celebrate war.”
I would never condemn those who wear a red poppy. Please respect those who wear a white one. Please watch this video snip:
https://youtu.be/0TVRTiCq27U