In a time where things are hyper sensationalized and denuded of any real meaning Remembrance Day has done remarkably well to maintain its somber demeanor and sense of decorum. (I’m sure some budding capitalist is contemplating a remembrance day sale, just before being cuffed upside the head for being so vulgar)
I’d like to put forth the notion that we should change the focus of Remembrance Day; from the armed forces to the civilian populations that suffered the brunt of the casualties during those special times where we leave our empathy and rationality at the door and engage in wholesale slaughter.
This is by no means a comprehensive listing of all civilian deaths due to war – just the low-lights that I could find.
World War I – 6.8 million civilian deaths.
World War II – 42 – 58 million civilian deaths.
Korean War – 2.8 million
Vietnam – 2.0 million
Nicaragua – 78,000 and counting due to landmines.
Iraq – 93,000 to 102,000 and rising.
Afghanistan – 32,000 and rising.
We should take this day to remember our humanity and to work toward understanding each other from across a table, not the barrels of guns.
We should remember those innocent victims of war, they certainly did not deserve their fate, yet war claimed them anyways. We should remember the Armenian Holocaust, we should remember the Jewish Holocaust not only to remind us of depths of human depravity but to remember that tragic events such as these happened because ordinary people did not speak up and call out the injustice as it was beginning to happen.
It is our responsibility as human beings not to look and then turn away, but rather, we must face our ugly past to prevent an ugly future.
So, on this November 11th, I choose to remember our common humanity and weep for our losses due to the depredations of war and unrest. I will remember that I will always have a choice whether or not to perpetuate evil, I will remember the past and hope I have the courage to make the right choice if faced with the grim situations that have marred our bloody history.
bleatmop
Mystro
The Arbourist
Dead Wild Roses 
2 comments
November 10, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Rob H.
I agree with some of your sentiments.. however, I think there is something to be said for honoring those who were not simply casualties of war, but who made a personal choice to put their lives on the line for the welfare of their society.
It is certainly well said that evil may triumph when good men do nothing.. but, while it is noble to stand opposed to evil in peaceful protest, I believe there is a time when simply standing opposed is not enough. And particularly WWII exhibited just such a moment in time where men stood and died so that other men and women would not.
I think reflecting upon those who make the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of the broader society is something so profound and so unique, particularly in today’s society – that it bears special rememberance. Not to dismiss the tragic loss of civilian lives, but I feel those men and women of our armed forces are a unique part of our society and they deserve our never-ending respect and special show of appreciation.
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November 10, 2009 at 9:51 pm
The Arbourist
I agree with you to a certain extent. Remembrance day does provide that special recognition for the armed forces.
But in the end, dead is dead, valorous or not. My post is intended to nudge the focus toward the depravity of war and its cost in human life and suffering.
War is the greatest failing of the human spirit, and we should striv to avoid partaking in our baser nature.
Thanks for your comment.
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