I try around Remembrance Sunday to read a book about the First or Second World War. This year I picked Ardennes 1944 by Antony Beever. This morning, I read about a battle for one small village. It involved many deaths on both sides and also of Belgian civilians huddled in their cellars. One memory of a 14-year old at the time of the battle was her mother telling all her children to huddle together so that if they were killed, they would know they were not alone. They stayed in their cellar for three days having only old apples to eat.
In addition to reading of the extraordinary every day bravery and resilience of ordinary soldiers and civilians, it is a reminder of the cost of war and, at least in the case of the Second World War, the cost of resisting evil. It should remind us, too, of the reality of war once again in Europe.
Looking back and remembering is firstly about giving thanks for the bravery and determination of so many. There are several “What If?” books written about the other possible outcome of the Second World War – the Gauleiter for London and the South East, the rounding up of a host of people who did not fit in with the new regime. Our freedoms are still based on their bravery and sacrifice.
And there are still many alive whose lives were shaped and made grievous by war – as still happens today whether it be in Ukraine or Russia, Gaza or Israel. It is a time to think of and care for others. Jesus is clear by the way, that we should not only care for our friends, but also our enemies.
Are we, I wonder, thankful enough that we live in this area of the South Downs with its beauty and tranquility? My mother was Belgian and was aged 17 at the outbreak of the war. German troops were billeted in her home. Food for thought, (at least for me!)
And then November is also a time for our personal remembrance. Traditionally, around All Saints Day (1st November) and All Souls Day (2nd November) the church has always invited people to think about their ancestors and close family who have died. I often say I am very suspicious or clergy who tell you what is on the other side of the mystery of dying – especially those who seem able to tell you who has gone where – but I do believe when we leave this world, the God of light and love awaits us. That does not, of course, take away grief, but it does take away worry.
I know too that we all have different memories of those most close to us – some full of that light and love, but for others very different memories. Once again Remembrance for many is about thankfulness and at the same time loss, whilst being aware for others it leads to very different emotions.
To end with, one other Remembrance which happens in church whenever Holy Communion is celebrated. We remember “On the night he was betrayed, took bread and gave thanks…”. Remembrance makes past events real in the present. Just take an old photo album down of a holiday 20 years ago, turn the pages and you are back at that earlier moment of time, present and reliving and remembering it. And many have found throughout the ages and in their millions and millions, that particular remembrance gives a richness and a meaning to life.
Peter