Originally called Armistice day, it was first commemorated by King George V of England in 1919, when veterans of the Great War were to be honored for their service, but was not made an American national day of remembrance until 1938. Although we think of the Armistice occurring at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, shelling did continue until nightfall. The Armistice was set for 36 days and had to be extended several times until the peace treaty was signed in 1919.
The war caused enormous destruction and suffering, deaths estimated at between 15 and 40 million, about a third of whom were military personnel. The point of that war and, for the most part, wars afterwards, was and continues to be to inflict damage on civilians to force surrender or worse. Look at Ukraine with Putin wanting to destroy Ukrainian identity.
The war in Gaza and the West Bank is not much different with Israeli military and settler attacks on civilians in both areas. War does terrible things to human beings including the soldiers who fight them. But as long as political leaders care more for their own glory or a dream for maintaining power, people will continue to suffer war 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, American 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