In Remembrance

Remembrance is not about the glorification of war it is about remembering those who gave their lives so that we could be free to go about ours.

I can't help of think of the world we lost when a generation was slaughtered in 1914-1918. This was brought home to me last night listening to a piece by the composer John Butterworth.

What works might they have wrought? What writers did we lose? What music? How much better might the world be?

I wish I could say there sacrifice created a better world but I fear that we are as divided as ever we were.

But let us remember a generation that at least tried.

Anthem for Doomed Youth - Wilfred Owen

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
      — Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
      Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
      Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
      And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?
      Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
      The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.