419 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND Remembering the Humanity in Darkness Since the beginning of the first World War, November 11th has been a day to remember and reflect on all of the men and women who sacrifice their lives to protect their countries, citizens and freedoms. The soldiers, doctors, nurses and aids who remain heroes to the country must never be forgotten. The perspective of war can be misconstrued as a concept to fear, but there are soldiers unable to speak today who would want to be remembered for more than that. Not only for their sacrifices but for their manifestations of selflessness when benevolence is needed most. Remembering the moments amid the destruction and darkness where soldiers emerged over the battle lines with glimpses of kindness and hope. It is a time where emotions of grief, despair, and reflection prevail, and tragedy seems to be inescapable. Though it is a time of tragedy where tme beauty of humanity can be found, greatness can be achieved, and love is macroscopic. In representation of a country that is renowned for its prosperity, freedom and generosity the soldiers do not fail their flag. Known as one of the most famous events in war history, The Christmas Truce will never be forgotten. During the first world war on late Christmas Eve in the year 1914 the British forces heard the opposing troops from Germany across the trenches. In the distance the Germans began to sing carols and patriotic songs, they began to celebrate christmas. After months of bloodshed, buried bodies, and near death experiences in no man's land, on Christmas day the soldiers paused. Both of the troops from either side met in the middle and exchanged gifts, pictures, and played games. Not only in no man's land but all along the Western Front the truce took place (IWM 2022). It is moments such as these that the world cannot forget. Where in the midst of all the loss and ruin people found themselves showing kindness when needed most. These soldiers did not fight for their story to be forgotten, they did this to give hope to all of society for a potential peaceful future. The courage shown in these acts of kindness when soldiers risked their lives to defend their brothers and demonstrate their virtue continue to reach past the battlefront in almost every war. As part of Remembrance day we must not only think of the past but think of the present and the future. Where those who have fallen protected those who could not protect themselves. Striving for a better today and tomorrow, that they did not know if they would be able to see, they will always be remembered as heroes. Growing up in a privileged society it is impossible to understand what these men and women endure during these times of war. Yet, it is even more impossible to imagine that beneath all of the hardship and pain they were experiencing they took opportunities to display kindness and virtue, not only amongst themselves but even to their oppositions. Remembering these soldiers we must recognize their respectability, courage, and their spirit to battle on not knowing if they would see another day. It is through their sacrifices where we can live in a world where our children will not have to see war, and that in itself can never be thanked enough. The heroic individuals who continue to enlist today, will never go unnoticed to their bravery and goodness, putting their lives on the line everyday is something that we will never be able to fathom. It should not only be remembrance day that we take the time to appreciate all of those who sacrificed in the past and the present, but there should always be a place within our hearts dedicated to our heroes. Works cited Imperial War Museums. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.iwm.org.uki
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==