First World War graves at Brookwood Cemetery (photo by John Castle) Last Sunday I watched the film War Horse on the TV, Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's children's novel. It's definitely what I would call "a nice film" - that is to say, it not only entertained but I felt in some way better for having watched it. It's a tale that shows the best of humanity as well as hinting at some of the worst that we are capable of, in this case war. Amid the madness of mutual destruction certain individuals on both sides of the conflict seem to rise above the inhumanity of their situation by showing compassion for each other and for the animals. In particular, the scene where the English soldier who has walked out into "No Man's Land" to rescue the horse is helped by a German soldier with wirecutters recalls the famous "Christmas truces" that took place in real life in December 1914. Somehow, in the midst of the carnage and suffering that might cause anyone to concentrate just on their own survival, people perform an act of gratuitous kindness and share their common humanity.
Why should we remember the First World War? If for no other reason than the salutory reminder it gives us that there is nothing glamorous about war. It brings untold misery, and threatens to dehumanise not only the enemy but everyone who takes part. A moment's reflection should make us link the stories of past conflicts with the reality of wars that are being waged today. In the face of such suffering, we can either block them out of our minds, or, like some of the characters in War Horse, respond with an act of gratuitous kindness, perhaps by making a donation to a charity that helps the victims, or by showing compassion to someone around us who needs help or encouragement. In so doing, we will follow the example of the Son of God, whose response to the misery of human sin and suffering was to become one of us, and through his own suffering bring life and hope.
Why should we remember the First World War? If for no other reason than the salutory reminder it gives us that there is nothing glamorous about war. It brings untold misery, and threatens to dehumanise not only the enemy but everyone who takes part. A moment's reflection should make us link the stories of past conflicts with the reality of wars that are being waged today. In the face of such suffering, we can either block them out of our minds, or, like some of the characters in War Horse, respond with an act of gratuitous kindness, perhaps by making a donation to a charity that helps the victims, or by showing compassion to someone around us who needs help or encouragement. In so doing, we will follow the example of the Son of God, whose response to the misery of human sin and suffering was to become one of us, and through his own suffering bring life and hope.
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