Remembrance Day

In Britain and the commonwealth we call it Remembrance Day, in the USA it is known as Veterans Day and some parts of the world as Armistice Day.  It is observed every year on the 11th of November at 11.00 am local time.  It is to celebrate the end of World War I and in memory of the 20 million people who died during the conflict and the affected people they left behind.  The observance is 2 minutes silence.  This morning, with the rest of the people, I observed the 2 minutes silence in memory and out of respect for the people who gave their lives in the old wars and the wars since then.  On the news, I watched Queen Elizabeth II lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.

However, upon reflection this afternoon and evening, I've been wondering whether we are really being hypocritical.  Earlier this week, our Prime Minister, Mr Cameron was supporting British arms sale in the Saudi Arabia and the middle east. At the same time he was wearing a poppy. In September, he was promoting arm deals in Brazil.  Today, it is being reported that Russia is blaming the USA for a $ 4 billion arms deal failure with Iraq. On the 13th of September it was also reported that the USA was preparing for a $ 60 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia.  Germany, France, China and other developing countries also continue to peddle billions of  dollars worth of arms to the world.

We also continue to promote and participate in wars.  Hundreds of people, if not thousands are losing their lives on a daily basis as casualty of wars and hundred others being left physically, socially and psychologically maimed.  On the other hand, rich developed arm producing countries make a lot of money that add to their Growth Domestic Product  and wealthy investors are increasing their bank balance.  

And every year, on the 11th of November at 11.00 am local time we hypocritically observe Remembrance Day/Veterans Day/Armistice Day in memory and out of respect for all the people we have killed and maimed over the years, and plot to kill and maim the other 364 days of the year!!  

Apart from observing 2 minutes silence, we should also hang our heads in shame.

Good Luck and Good Bye until the next time

Knight Owl