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Veterans Day 2019

One hundred and one years ago, the ceasefire which would eventually lead to the treaty to end World War I, went into effect. When I was a boy, we went to church with a World War I veteran. Mr. Melton was old, had occluded eyes, but moved around pretty well for an ancient. He would tell us the story of that day, November 11, 1918, when, just before 11:00 am, the soldier next to him was shot in the head. There are recordings on the ‘net that reveal an eerie silence when the guns fell silent – at least for a time. In some sectors, the guns fired until nightfall. Eventually, the treaty of Versailles would be signed and its effect ultimately would be to bring a young German corporal to the fore of Europe’s politics and result in the Second World War.  

Today has gone through a number of incarnations. Originally intended to mark the ceasefire following World War I, the day in America was called Armistice Day to celebrate both the great horror we had survived but also an opportunity for the United States to work for peace in the world. In Europe and other parts of the world, the day is known as Remembrance Day and comes complete with the traditional red poppies. Interestingly, in Serbia which suffered the highest casualty rate of World War I (20% of its population), instead of the ubiquitous poppy, the flower is Natalie’s Ramonda. 

World War I would result in 8-11,000,000 military deaths and 22-24,000,000 military wounded. Added to that carnage would be 2,250,000 civilians killed due to military action and another 7-8,000,000 civilians due to the effects of the war. All told, World War I would see 17-22,000,000 deaths and another 22-24,000,000 military wounded. 

Today we remember soldiers like Mr. Melton and the soldier who died by his side. We remember the hope that was in the U.S. President’s voice when he said that Armistice Day marked the opportunity for the United States to enter into world peace. That hopeful tone should probably be tempered by the history of the world since the War to End All Wars came to its eerie ending more than a hundred years ago. Since that November morning, we have witnessed even more carnage and human suffering at the hands of one another and it continues today at various places around the world as governments of various stripes attempt to assert their power against their neighbors.  

When you see a veteran today – especially those in those ball caps, acknowledge them or buy their lunch or just open the door for them. Most of them don’t actually want anything from us but they would give much if we could just learn to live in ways that would eventually eliminate the need to create more veterans in every generation. This year, resolve to live a more peaceful life with your neighbors – no matter who they are.  

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