One hundred years ago today, Christmas of 1914, German and Allied troops along the 500-mile western front spontaneously called a truce to celebrate this highest of Christian holy days. Incredibly, after five grueling months of knee-deep mud and combat, troops from both sides agreed to meet in the cratered no-mans land between their trenches to hold mass, sing carols, even play a game or two of pick-up soccer amidst the killing fields. Despite the horror that had already taken place during the war to end all wars, soldiers from across enemy lines exchanged gifts of cigarettes, chocolates, sausages, and liquor. British Corporal John Ferguson describes the scene... We shook hands, wished each other a Merry Christmas and were soon conversing as if we had known each other for years. And while World War I would rage on for another three years, the singular fact that this Christmas truce occurred is testament to something far greater than our conflicts... It shows that even during our darkest hours, we are still capable of celebrating together with dignity and grace. ...Or maybe it just shows how determined humans can be to beat their brothers from the same father and mother. Merry Christmas and our best wishes for a prosperous and happy new year! ~Jamal lee
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 11:26:49 +0000
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