Before 1914, there had been no world wars at all. Between 1815 and 1914 moreover no major power fought another one outside of its immediate region. (there were of course aggressive expeditions of imperial powers against weaker opponents especially in Africa India and Asia.) All this changed in the last century - during the two world wars Canadians fought in France, Americans all over Europe, Indians in the Middle East and Chinese in France and the naval battles were everywhere. One eminent historian called the period 1914 to 1945 the age of total war. But it was not simply a war of combattants, many millions were engaged and affected, civilians, doctors, nurses, cooks ambulance drivers the young the old : everyone.
"Have you forgotten yet?
For the worlds events have rumbled on since those gagged days
Like traffic checked while at the crossing of city ways
And the haunted gap in your mind has filled with thoughts that flow
Like clouds in the lit heaven of life : and you’re a man reprieved to go
These lines are the start of a poem by Siegfried Sassoon called the “Aftermath.”
Just those two phrases “Have you forgotten yet?”, “for events have rumbled” on tell us why we are here, to remember, to give thanks for those who made it possible for us to “take our peaceful share of time.”
And today it seems that there is again a world war - against this time an unseen virus and once more many millions are engaged: doctors, nurses, cooks, ambulance drivers, the young the old. And again there are those of great courage who take risks for others.
There was among all the news coverage a week ago a lady in an hospital recovering from a stay in intensive care who summed it up - she said that the doctors and nurses had treated her without cease, for days working to save her life, she was still ill, still hoping to be well again and as she told her story she broke into tears of admiration, thanks and amazement.
So as we wear our poppies this morning remembering those who gave so much for so long for so many let us also acknowledge those who continue to do this today in different ways and in different times but who do so for the same reason:
“That we may take our peaceful share of time with joy to spare.”
Amen.
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