November 11 marks Remembrance Day for many nations, and America’s Veterans’ Day, noting the 1918 armistice that ended World War I.
Sadly, this armistice produced a 20-year interval before World War II erupted.
Yet former bitter enemies became long-term major partners in trade, tourism, technology, sport, engineering, communication and medical and scientific research.
Truth is often war’s first casualty: in competing pressures as it gathers momentum; as it unfolds; and in the pain that accompanies its aftermath.
Watching movies or TV series, reading books, visiting war museums, collecting war memorabilia or joining in re-enactments of battles can all help our understanding, but all without danger.
For we may pause for ad breaks or watch the credits roll across the screen; read final chapters of books; exit the museums; or debrief after the war games.
Speaking with war veterans can deepen our insights into the scenes, the sounds, the smells and the stresses that no-one should ever experience.
They know war’s futility and necessity; its brilliance and stupidity; its contrasting courage and cowardice; its miraculous escapes and its disasters; and its arrogant and/or humble leadership.
They have known the surprises, shock, elation or dismay, personally or through the stories shared with colleagues or with former enemies.
These emotions have come their way in the constant uncertainty about their next breath being possibly decided by unknown or unseen enemies.
This uncertainty is a reality for enlisted or conscripted soldiers, but death tolls tragically reflect increasing numbers of civilians who have been under constant attack, imprisoned or reduced to becoming desperate and stateless refugees.
Or even worse, as so arrogantly displayed by the mania for destruction from September 11 terrorists, civilians have been callously subverted into mere weapons to kill thousands more innocent victims.
As political pressures and opinions ebb and flow through diplomatic channels, maintaining our need to feel secure, the arms race will remain with us as weapons grow more powerful, sophisticated and expensive to produce.
Formal and social media alert us to these changes, addressing the suspicions, fears or resentments that increase anger and lead to conflict with old or new enemies.
Against this conflict is the power of love, which Jesus declared as being most clearly shown by risking our lives for our friends.
Yet he went further: dying for his enemies, so he might absorb our ultimate hatred and open the door of love to disarm tensions between nations and between neighbours.
Noel Mitaxa
On behalf a church near you, inviting you to explore God’s love