BEING in my 70th year with my father in the First World War, I consider I have an educated understanding of that war and the devastation of those left behind. I cannot see any reason to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The savagery of the
BEING in my 70th year with my father in the First World War, I consider I have an educated understanding of that war and the devastation of those left behind.
I cannot see any reason to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The savagery of the battles in that war do not bear anything noble about them. If we wish to teach coming generations to abhor war, then the Somme battle, with all its bloodshed, brings one word to mind - shame. The men were ordered to die pointlessly on both sides, which today we can see as barbarism.
If we are to see medals being worn in this age, 2006, then let it be for forging a culture based on peaceful activity for the general good, not a terrible past.
SHIRLEY HEATHCOTE
Hemingford Grey
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