The terrible cost

Everyone was told, and believed, it would be quick.

WW1 lasted over 4 years and still sowed the seeds that brought about WW2.

Each side believed the other would capitulate, that surely its citizens would demand an end to the carnage.

9 million combatants were slaughtered. 7 million civilians.

More dead from war than mankind had ever seen.

We need to be careful thinking about war as a solution.

We need to remember…

~

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
between the crosses row on row,
that mark our place; and in the sky
the larks, still bravely singing, fly
scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
loved and were loved, and now we lie
in Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
the torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
we shall not sleep, though poppies grow
in Flanders fields.
     ~ Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army.