Today is yet another remembrance day. Although I say it this way, I don't mean any disrespect whatsoever. It is undoubtedly a day of reflection and mourning for all that we've had to lose, in order to gain freedom.
I think this is what bothers me most about today. The fact that every single year we take a pause on this day, to remind us of all the horrible things people had to go through, sacrifice, and die for - all in the name of wars. That rulers of nations found no better way to resolve differences than to send young men and women into battle, and fight to the death for their countries. Most of them unfamiliar with what a gun or rifle even looked like, and now they were expected to carry one at all times, ready to aim/fire at another human being. All of them, barely knowing what it was that they were even fighting for.
So each year, we are expected to stop our lives and take notice of all that has gone on in the world and be mindful of our choices. Personally, I think it's all a waste of time. For what is the point of pause and reflection if it doesn't stir change? What is the point of people wearing a uniform and dying for our rights and freedoms, if we still continue the same bullshit fuckery we've all been a part of for centuries? It honestly makes no sense. Does it make any sense to you?
I have only been alive for 46 years and I can honestly say that in this time, I have not seen any real progress or change in people at all. More so than my own life, I have also had the privilege and opportunity to read and study the acts of persecution of humanity through these wars, and we've barely taken any steps forward. A bold statement, I know, but a true one just the same.
Don't believe me? Well, take a look at racism and discrimination today. Most days it is just as bad as it ever was and slowly becoming worse. I swear that some days if I close my eyes and just listen, I could very well be back in the 1920s, with how ill people speak to (or about) those of a different color, race, religion, or creed than they are.
You will never be able to turn on any election debate without constant and continual bickering between candidates criticizing one another about where they come from, lifestyle, or family choices. Apparently, this gets more votes than speaking about how we can make our worlds better and more peaceful. That kind of talk is just plain boring for viewers and will certainly never get the stations their well-deserved ratings.
People are still walking the earth every day bullying others and being brainwashed into believing what society claims is "politically correct" in our world. People are still being persecuted on grounds of how they look, who they love, who they pray to, and how they choose to live their lives.
All of these battles leading to either social or self-destruction. In other words, war.
So I ask you again, what have we actually learned through remembrance days? It doesn't seem like very much.
It's not enough that we stop what we're doing for 60 seconds, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, and reflect on the sacrifices that were made by all these fallen souls. Instead, we should honor them in noble ways 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with real change. So that it can be known that their lives were not lost in vain.
We need to wake up and make real differences in this world. Differences that will enable the children of tomorrow to grow up and become a part of nations that they're proud of, not scared of. That we groom societies to be respectful, accepting, and nurturing of us all, not only a chosen few. Our real concerns and priorities should always be to live in and create a world where peace always comes first, before money, greed, or power. That we raise our children to follow paths and careers that will bring change and make a real difference in the lives of others - not ones that will buy them a fancy car or a big home. We've all been following and worshiping the wrong idles.
Isn't it time we remember what's important? If not now, then when?
How many more wars must we remember?
How many more lives lost must we stand in silence for, every November 11th?
Today, I urge you to think about what you're doing (or haven't done) to change this world and do it. Don't be another human being who lives and dies, never bothering or spending the time to make a difference. The responsibility belongs not only to our government or our politicians but to us all.
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