What happens when we forget?

[Lotus Freak]

just a thought really. Today at work we had our 1 minute silence to stop and remember those who gave their lives in The Great War. I was astounded by the lack of respect some of the people around me showed. Some people continued to talk, continue on with their work and you would think the dead silence would have been a give away. It's like they had no clue as to what was going on. It actually irritated me. Pretty soon all the people who took part in that part of our history will be all gone but I hope that their efforts will not be forgotten.

I hope you all took the time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the love of their country.

[Jewel]

In spite of what you hear in the media and see on TV, it's long been forgotten.  If the people who died in that war - and those who survived with horrific injuries - were really remembered, ever, there would never have been another war.   

I caught part of an excellent Michael Palin program last week about the last day of that war.  The armistice was agreed a number of hours before it was signed because it took time to get the message out on both sides for the fighting to stop.  Even when the message was out, hours before the armistice, it didn't stop people from dying and being horribly mutilated.  One person was quoted as saying that maybe if we paid more attention to those horribly wounded who survived and remembered them, there would be no more wars.  But, I don't know, as long as there are politicians and people willing to fight for a cause, there will be war. 

We did 2 minutes of silence yesterday, but it was broken up, because we had phone calls to deal with (I put my phone on DND) and workmen pounding away, renovating on the floor above us. 

[Lotus Freak]

I agree with you up to a certain degree. I think it's just human nature to fight. I feel like it's because we can be passionate about our beliefs. When someone challenges our beliefs our first reaction is to try and defend what we think is right. It's that defense mechanism that keeps us from being truly peaceful beings. Animals kill because instinct tells them they need to in order to survive, humans kill because we feel the need to exert our authority...at least that's how I see things in my little pea brain.

[Windsong]

I work for ACAS and they certainly observed the minute of silence!  Alot of them bowed their heads as well.  It was very touching!