Seventy Years On

Last Thursday, September 3rd, was the seventieth anniversary of Britain and France's declaration of war on Germany, a war in which 50 million people were to lose their lives. The war drew in all the powers of the world, spreading to all corners of the globe and lasting for six years - but did we really learn anything? Today there are still conflicts and there has hardly been a day since the end of the Second World War that shots have not been fired in anger somewhere in the world.


Why is it that the human race cannot live together in peace? The simple answer is that we ARE human and far from perfect but it is a fact that our humanity enables us to remember those who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace and to honour them. A simple act of remembrance took place at the War Memorial on Ilkeston's Market Place on Thursday morning where Merchant Seamen who made the ultimate sacrifice were also remembered. The act of remembering will not stop wars but it does give us just a moment in time to ponder our actions and the impact on our collective futures. If we cannot stop the fighting, maybe we should start a worldwide campaign of remembrance. Maybe, just maybe, it may make people think twice before picking up arms.

Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul.Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people. - Jawaharlal Nehru (1889 - 1964)