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I am sure we all have family stories of human sacrifice in war.
My great uncle Hassall perished on the shores of Gallipoli on the first landing. Poor bugger...he was only 18 years of age with his whole life ahead of him. Makes me reflect on the senselessness of "the Great War".
Sometimes, though, we have to fight for our freedom. My wife's grandad, who died just last year, was a Major in the British army (Royal Engineers) during WW2. In one attack in France, 100 of the men under his charge were killed. They were to a man under the age of 20. He took photos of all of their graves, and wrote a letter to all of their families to thank them for their sons' sacrifice in the face of Nazism. He was only 22 when this happened. That's just too young for anyone to have to bear that level of responsibility.
Grandpa always talked about the greater good, and the need for us to look beyond our own short-term gain and selfishness to what is in the best interests of our whole society. I often disagreed with him about a lot of social issues. He thought I was a bit too much of a lefty. I thought he was too conservative. In the early 1940's, though, the threat to freedom was real, and the sacrifice made acheived something tangible. I am most greatful to him and all those who fought against totalitarianism.
To all out there who continue to work for peace and human understanding, my thanks and thoughts go with you.....
Lest we forget.
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