On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the guns fell silent in Europe in 1918. Yet it was not to be a lasting peace.
Many of us will have very personal memories of loved ones who suffered in 2 world wars, and will feel deeply for those who have suffered in more recent conflicts.
Some words of a modern hymn taken from the Methodist website felt apt as a meditation on this meaningful day.
“We shall not forget the sacrifice of millions;
We shall not forget the bloodshed and the tears;
We shall not forget the loss of generations;
We shall not forget despite the passing of years.
Yet we shall walk on with courage
To a day when warfare will cease.
There will be a way all can flourish
When the bells ring out, ring out for peace.
We shall not forget the walls we build to separate,
We shall not forget the steps that lead to war;
We shall not forget the.woundedness of all of us,
We shall not forget what only love can restore.
So we will walk with humility
For a day when hatred will cease
There will be an end to hostility
When the bells ring out, ring out for peace.
We shall not forget God’s mercy through the centuries;
We shall not forget the signs of hope in bloom;
We shall not forget Christ’s victory through suffering;
We shall not forget the life that burst from the tomb.
So we shall sing of salvation,
And the harmony will increase.
Healing will embrace every nation.
As the bells ring out, ring out for peace.
Andrew T Murphy – words
Matt Allen – music