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ARMISTICE DAY/VETERAN’S DAY- NOVEMBER 11, 1918
By Lisa | Published | No Comments
At dawn, November 11, 1918. Two railroad cars arrive in a remote forest outside Compiègne, France. One carries German military officers; the other, Allied commanders. Their gathering will make history. It is here that leaders of these two military forces sign an armistice—an agreement to end years of deadly conflict. At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, World War I is over.
More than eight million people had been killed in battle, with millions more lost as civilian casualties. But with the armistice signed, there is hope that the Great War could truly be “the war to end all wars.”
Armistice Day- The Gleeman
In America, remembering this Armistice Day would come to be recognized as Veteran’s Day. We honor those who use their freedom- even given their lives- to fight for ours.
Sadly, the Armistice didn’t end all wars. How many wars have been fought since? How many battles are raging today? Our world continues in upheaval, contention and contempt, of a desire for power and control over another. And yet, we can’t even control ourselves.
The truth is, we are all soldiers fighting a war. We fight to keep our own dignity, our tempers, our habits in control. We’re fighting an adversary who stirs our weaknesses, uses our desires against us, laughs at our downfalls.
I posted this ‘Freedom Song’ back in July, yet it begs to be repeated here. In honoring those who have fought for our freedom, I have to think: how are we using our freedom? Are we sowing peace, or do we sow contention? Again, it starts within ourselves. Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Treat yourself kindly. Then pass it on.
Freedom Song- US Naval Singing Sergeant
There’s a recent story in our local news of 11-year old Champion. Champion was born with severe health complications and not expected to live. However, in playing music near him, in particular Tabernacle Choir music, and even more particular the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ his little body responded, and was strengthened. For his 11th birthday Champion was given the gift of seeing the choir in person. This is a beautiful story and testament of the power music has on us. This is for all of us Champions.
Battle Hymn of the Republic- Tabernacle Choir w/ West Point Band
The question is asked of many contestants, ‘What is the most important thing our world needs?’ The answer given- ‘World Peace.’ And it’s true. Yet peace begins within us. We express it outwardly in love to each other. We put our harmony in song to share, hear it on other’s lips – to spread.
For decades the radio has been loaded with songs for World Peace- John Lennon, Bob Dillan, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, the list is vast. So find your favorite song for World Peace.
This song by Kevin Brown takes me back to Kenya, a complicated yet simple place that, like so many of our neighborhoods, strives hard to make and find peace.
Song for Peace- Kevin Brown
Let us create peace where we are. Within and without. It just might catch on.
What Song Caught You?