(Armistice Day 1918 - Well . . it was supposed to be the War to End All Wars, wasn't it?)
Note: This is a repost from last November 11th. The sentiments are the same.
Armistice Day, Veterans Day, Remembrance Day - November 11th. That day in 1918, it was the day that ended World War One - or "The War To End All Wars". Be careful what you proclaim, it may come back to haunt you.
Since that day it has become symbolic for all wars, all sacrifices in the line of duty, all those fallen and wounded for whom so many futures and hopes were pinned on - just vanished.
But on November 11, 1937 it was still considered the war to end all wars, nineteen years after the Armistice was signed. Peace, however tenuous was on the horizon. Even though in November of that year Spain was wracked by civil war, China had been invaded by Japan, Germany and Italy were ratting sabers and proclaiming New World Order. It was only a matter of time.
This broadcast, a celebration of the unity between Canada and the U.S. in times of war featured an address by Brig. Gen. Victor Odlum, himself wounded several times during the War. It was part of a ceremony that took place on the border of Washington State and Canada.
Gen.Victor Odlum (Canadian Army): “As this day, of all days, stands for peace, there is one thing we must not forget, we are at peace.”
Less than two years later, it would all change again.
It's just what wars do.
As a bonus - I am including a newscast from another November 11 - this one from wartime: 1941. It shows a marked contrast and just how fragile it all is.
