It was to be “the war to end war” because of the incredible slaughter, especially of civilians, up to this point not the direct target of invading forces. Ostensibly begun because of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo over its annexation by Austria-Hungary, the war quickly spread across Europe, primarily because of alliances that had been created prior to the War.
The German use of unrestricted submarine warfare resulting in the 1915 sinking of the Lusitania, a passenger ship, and the 1917 German Zimmerman telegram proposing an alliance with Mexico brought us into the War. About 116,517 American soldiers died as a result. Each one was a son, a father, a brother, a friend to someone.
The War changed the map of Europe and resulted in the our emergence as a global power. Like all wars, it left terrible suffering and death, estimated to be between 15-22 million in Europe. Like all wars, its principal causes can be found in ego and the drive for power. On this day we remember the dead and the survivors, who, if truth be told, would agree that invasion and war only bring suffering and death.
Prayer for the Day
Called to be peacemakers, we are afraid,
For we are only human vessels with many failings;
Called to seek God's will, we tremble,
For we fear it will demand of us more than we can give.
Be our Source of strength, O Holy One, so we are emboldened
To live beyond our fear and trepidation.
In the name of the One who shows us how to overcome fear,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
There’s very little difference between victory and defeat for those at the bottom.
Berthold Brecht, from his play Mother Courage (1898-1956)
Never think that war, no matter how necessary, no matter how justified, is not a crime.
Ernest Hemingway, ambulance driver in WW1, writer (1899-1961)
Let God rise up, let God’s enemies be scattered; let those who hate God flee away.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;
As way melts before the fire, let the wicked perish before God,
But let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God and be jubilant with joy.
Psalm 68: 1-3