Itll be over by christmas. Thats what they said. A couple of months of mobile action, cavalry and a bit of artillery. Bish bash bosh, home in time to celebrate the new year. But it wasnt...what came to be known as the war to end all wars (if only that part were true) started 100 years ago today. The boys went across the water to fight for king and country, to protect our freedom and to make the world a safer place for us all. No one realised how much technology would change the way war was fought. Nothing was forbidden. Chemical (mustard Gas), biological (glanders), aerial bombing, tanks, machine guns. All were used with monstrous and terrifying effect. Many of these were so hideous that they directly caused the writing, and subsequent signing by so many nations, of the 1925 geneva protocol. But mostly it was a war of people. Young men mostly (the upper age for conscription was 41 so even I would have been exempt from fighting) were taken away from their homes and sent far away. Sometimes whole streets or sports teams signed up together to fight together, and often die together. And what for?? These men fought so that we can speak. We can argue. We can disagree and we can show dissent for whatever government is in power. These men fought for Freedom. My freedom and Yours. So today, on the 100th anniversary of the start of the war that would be over by christmas, that would rob our country and continent of a whole generation of young men, I salute those men, and all those who have worn the uniform since. I thank you for your dedication and sacrifice and I will remember you. Ive said it before, Ill no doubt say it again and I will not apologise for it, You are heroes, every one of you. Sons, brothers, fathers, grandfathers, friends, colleagues, husbands, boyfriends, lovers.......Heroes. Thank you. (4/8/1914-4/8/2014)
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 18:26:19 +0000
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