Remember, remember

Standing sentinel

hunched against the cold

as were many today

observing armistice

respecting sacrifice

knowing that our momentary discomfort

is nothing compared with their relentless giving

The cold wet horror of trenches

the torture of seeing comrades perish in the war to end all wars

But shouldn't our observation of silence make more of a difference?

Shouldn't our sophisticated knowledge of the horror of war prevent us from allowing others to be sacrificed?

All our respect counts for nothing

if we cannot eradicate the acceptability of sacrifice that prevails in the face of perceived threat.

There is no war that can end all wars.

The price of peace has to be raised by other means.

Then our silence can honour the past and insure the future.