Cenotaph _(means empty tomb) on Whitehall, London a plain memorial with no symbols to any particular creed, culture or nationality, reminding not only the Great War and WWII but all men who have lost lives due to conflict. Only inscription on the tomb is "The Glorious Dead".
Respect is shown at the 11th hour on the 11th day in the 11th month since 1918, over a century now on Armistice (Latin for to stand (still) arms.) Day. Needless to say since time immemorial war may have existed, do we ever learn?
Pondering of late, does mankind live with short term, or no memory of horrors brought about by war, currently many suffer the fate by warring nations.
To my memory I do not recall any time during human history of there being no war, so do we have a way of switching off our memory to the pain and suffering inflicted on each other.
Short history of my own, my Grandfather arrived in South Africa to fight the Boer War, remained and married, first photo of him in collage. Second is of my Aunt Margaret who was oldest in family of four children, their Mother between my Dad being the youngest, both served throughout the years. My Gran passed away during that time (Grand father passed many years earlier), Aunt in photography notified by Father of her death through mail as reflected in collage which I have, devastating news trying to keep contact during WWII.
Currently I have the letters and diaries through these years a constant reminder about people who fought for our 'freedoms'. This never ended here in South Africa with our brothers being conscripted to war against our own people, Angola war, unrest in region is not something we should be complacent about, tribe against tribe, people against people.
My oldest brother served in the navy through his years of conscription then stood in reserve to his dying day. My brother slightly older was placed in Pretoria to serve his time serving others becoming a chef, everyone we knew went, many never returned, objectors were imprisoned for duration of training period.
Let us remember all those in conflict past and present for one day of a year in peaceful remembrance and silent respect!
on hive-126152All photography is my own using Canon Powershot. Any queries or requests please drop a comment below or make contact with me, have a wonderful day! All other links indicated will take you to relevant information which is not my own.
Thought for Today: "Don't insult the dead." - African Proverb
