ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ......

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Master of Master Baiters Joined: 13 Jan 2014 Posts: 698

At this time one hundred years ago, tension in Europe was steadily and inexorably building. Crown Prince Ferdinand had already been assassinated Accusing fingers were being pointed, diplomacy was failing and the sabre-rattling had begun. In just four weeks, fine young men from across Europe and eventually from across the World would be killing each other and the devastation and horrors of War would be consuming a whole continent It is said here in Britain that there is not a family - not a single person here today - who does not have a direct familial link to the tragedy that followed, and I certainly know that is true of my own family and my thoughts will not be straying far from this.

If only - IF ONLY it had truly been "The War to End All Wars" ........

Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 9:54 am

The biggest shame is how it ended, with an angry peace. That kind of peace was directly responsible for the start of WWII. Most people don't realize how much of an impact WWI had on almost every war in the last 100 years. It set us on a very dark path. But what I would like to know is how Europe, the battle ground for the worst wars in human history, quickly became the region on the planet least likely to have another war. And how we can give the middle east some of that, if at all possible.

Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 9:59 am

^ very good point.

Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 10:06 am

But the wars in the Middle East have an added element that has started wars long before WWI was set into motion, Religion. The most hypocritical of all reasons to start a war, and yet the irony is wasted on the participants. They should take a few more minutes to read their respective "Good Books."

Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 10:54 am

The guy that I do some gardening for is an ex Marine Commando,he is 93 years old, he fought all over Europe including the D day landings.Being an ex soldier myself, I asked last weekend if he would like to accompany me into town to join in the "Forces Day" celebrations. His answer "No ta son, that's all in the past"

Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 1:35 pm

^^ Wise man. Salute to him.

Master of Master Baiters Joined: 13 Jan 2014 Posts: 698

^^^ I'll second that! Which brings us back to IF ONLY. There's no doubt that the residual bitterness and recriminations post WWI led very directly to the viciousness and evil of WWII - which, incidentally started 16 months after my birth date.

I firmly believe that the most precious word, and therefore the most precious of human qualities is the word 'Forgiveness'. IF ONLY there is more of that!

Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2014 4:19 pm

Forgiveness is indeed what we need more of. But back then there was too much bitterness on both sides after the war. The whole peace process should have been handled by impartial third parties. Let cooler heads prevail.

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