Jim's Secret Thoughts

The Cenotaph at Whitehall, London on Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Day, or Poppy Day. It is the day to commemorate the end of the First World War in 1918. Even though another world war happened since then this is the one that is still commemorated. The dead who died in both wars are remembered for their sacrifices, a sacrifice which we all, throughout the world, ought to be thankful for. And I am grateful.

A few years ago we visited the graves in Normandy, France, with our four sons. That was a very moving moment, to see thousands of graves of 18, 19, 20 year old young men who gave their lives to save the world. Many died before they even set foot on shore.

Why is it we remember? Why do we keep the memory of such tragic, devastating wars alive? Is it to keep in mind who was the enemy? Is it to remind us not to trust foreign leaders? Is it solely to say thank you to those who have their lives? Or perhaps some remember to boost their egos that they belong to a great nation.

May I suggest, no, may I urge everyone to remember these wars, these valuable sacrifices, not for the sake of remembering the past, but for contemplating the future. Remember the wars of the past, and the present, in order not to go
that path again. Remember the sacrifices to remind us to value human life.  Remember the past to improve the future.

Normandy Graves WW2

Let us never forget that they sacrificed their lives for a better future. Let us not disappoint them by repeating the same all over again. Let us honour the sacrifices made, and those still being made, that their souls are crying out to stop making war.

The time is over when we go to war. More and more citizens are rising up to declare peace. More and more nations are disposing of their dictators. Let us contemplate a future of peace, where nation sits with nation, black with white, where religion is not a means to hate, where love rules the day. Remember the fallen. Remember the living.