When I was in school, the whole student body assembled in the large assembly hall and stood at attention when the teachers signaled that it was exactly 11 minutes past the 11th hour on November 11. For one minute we bowed our heads and said silent prayers in honor of those killed in the first world war. After the ceremony in the assembly hall, school was let out for the rest of the day.
Today people think it's a day that will bring luck. Since we have fought so many wars and 'police actions', soldiers that survived them, probably do feel lucky.
Since the date is a palindrome, meaning it reads the same backwards and forwards, it inspires mysticism. A movie with the palindrome as a title, was popular as a horror movie about a portal opening to hell.
With our two unfinished wars, we will add the names of more soldiers to honor for their sacrifice. As we look forward to ending those, the threat of another war looms as politicians talk about the nuclear threat from Iran.
It's sad to think we have had to use a collective word like 'veterans' that covers all the past and future 'engagements' we undoubtedly will have if the past is any indication of our future.
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| Remembrance Poppies |
1 comment:
Thank you for the good words, and thanks to all Veterans for their service to country.
Let's give Peace a Chance!
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