Armistice 100 - General Javea / Xàbia discussion - Javea / Xàbia forum - Costa Blanca forum in the Alicante province of Spain
Car Key Solutions
Espana Dream Properties
Blacktower Financial Management
AA Free English TV
Airport Service Taxi Mil Palmeras  Torre de la Horadada
Thy Will Be Done
Expat Services
Gentlevan Removals
interior building work
Jennifer Cunningham Insurances SL
Costa Blanca Building Specialists
James Spanish School
ASSSA Insurance
Gran Alacant Insurances

Join the Javea / Xàbia forum

Join the Javea / Xàbia forumMy name's Alex and this is my website all about Javea / Xàbia in Spain. Register now for free to talk about General Javea / Xàbia discussion and much more!

Armistice 100

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2018 4:43pm
10 replies221 views6 members subscribed
Ancient Printer

Ancient Printer

Helpful member

Posts: 232

241 helpful points

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 4 Jan 2017

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


 
Ancient Printer

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2018 7:04pm

Ancient Printer

Original Poster

Helpful member

Posts: 232

241 helpful points

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 4 Jan 2017

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2018 7:04pm

Thank you for your kind response. How appropriate that is!

Kelvin1960

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2018 11:51pm

Kelvin1960

Super helpful member

Posts: 1488

1767 helpful points

Joined: 5 Mar 2017

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2018 11:51pm

This post that was quoted has been deleted.

Well said

jimtaylor

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 5:23am

jimtaylor

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 5612

8738 helpful points

Location: Mudamiento

Joined: 2 Feb 2017

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 5:23am

My sentiments exactly, congratulations on compiling such a true and balanced post.

If you've time, please listen to the following song by Eric Bogle, which is basically about the futility of war - listen especially to the last few words:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxkhBvO8_kM

 
Bex

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 7:30am

Bex

Helpful member

Posts: 223

128 helpful points

Location: Campoamor

Joined: 20 Jan 2017

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 7:30am

So moving - poignant words 

Advertisement - posts continue below

Ancient Printer

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 10:00am

Ancient Printer

Original Poster

Helpful member

Posts: 232

241 helpful points

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 4 Jan 2017

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 10:00am

jimtaylor wrote on Sun Nov 11, 2018 5:23am:

My sentiments exactly, congratulations on compiling such a true and balanced post.

If you've time, please listen to the following song by Eric Bogle, which is basically about the futility of war - listen especially to the last few words:

Thank you Jim so much for your kind and supportive words.  I do hope that my posts will contribute in a small way to creating the frames of mind that take away the causes of conflict.

Ancient Printer

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 10:02am

Ancient Printer

Original Poster

Helpful member

Posts: 232

241 helpful points

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 4 Jan 2017

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 10:02am

Bex wrote on Sun Nov 11, 2018 7:30am:

So moving - poignant words 

Thank you very much

Ancient Printer

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:25am

Ancient Printer

Original Poster

Helpful member

Posts: 232

241 helpful points

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 4 Jan 2017

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:25am

How true is everything you say. I see many parallels between the uncompromising and rigid positions of politicians a hundred years ago and those of politicians today. The ordinary man and woman has no control. They must obey the one above and in turn he above must obey the next one above until you reach the top of a frightening pyramid of insanity. Workers must obey to feed their families and cabinet ministers must do as they are told, their only skill being to deflect all the questions with waffle having sold truth to the devil - until the stress comples resignation. Truly brave is the person who resigns rather than be controlled.

Ancient Printer

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:50am

Ancient Printer

Original Poster

Helpful member

Posts: 232

241 helpful points

Location: Javea / Xàbia

Joined: 4 Jan 2017

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:50am

Ancient Printer wrote on Sat Nov 10, 2018 4:43pm:

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


The causes of war and of the Brexit impasse lie in the same roots. From little acorns might oaks do grow. Usually this is quoted in a positive way but it can equally be used in the negative sense. Everyday disrespect and rudeness to others is a starting point. Forcing our point of view onto others without considering why they see things differently. Worse - swearing at another. These are the tiny seeds that germinate into young shoots of hatred, first of a single person and soon of entire groups of people who think differently. Next it's forming a stereotype of those of whom you know little and understand less. Before long it's agressive patriotism and gingoism. Next comes the arms race and finally war. 

Often the seeds of war and conflict are poverty and ignorance. Let's fight our war against these two enemies.

Even on this forum under the Brexit discussion, there were aggressive posts with insults and foul language. Only cyberspace kept the participants from coming to blows! I was shocked by one that ended with F***k Y*u. If Brexit could start a war it would - and perhaps its results might one day do so. When things get this bad it's best to go back to the drawing board.

Santa Pola Gal

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:46pm

Posts: 12

29 helpful points

Location: Santa Pola

Joined: 21 Aug 2017

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:46pm

Often the seeds of war and conflict are poverty and ignorance. Let's fight our war against these two enemies.

Thank you for you enlightening piece and how true the above words are. 

Thinking a lot about my Granfather today who fought in the France during the Great War at the age of fifteen. He had lied about his age, so he could enlist.  

Never have I met a kinder ,more gentle soul. He didn't want to talk much about the war and the attrocities he witnessed there as a young boy.

But when he did he would say

" the only enemy I ever fought was hunger"

May they rest in peace.  

Sign up for free or login to reply to this topic

Want to reply to this topic? Login or register for free to post your message:

Find more General discussion topics from a particular area:


Register for free!

Login to your account

Car Key Solutions
Espana Dream Properties
Blacktower Financial Management
AA Free English TV
Airport Service Taxi Mil Palmeras  Torre de la Horadada
Thy Will Be Done
Expat Services
Gentlevan Removals
interior building work
Jennifer Cunningham Insurances SL
Costa Blanca Building Specialists
James Spanish School
ASSSA Insurance
Gran Alacant Insurances
Advertise your business here
Advertise your property
Help with my computer