It's Memorial Day in the US at the moment; while not a holiday in Britain, but it is nevertheless something I privately participate in. As Churchill said following the Battle of Britain, never has so much been owed by so many to so few. And while the nations of the West have their issues, they have also demonstrated their civilisation and moral superiority; whether it be triumph over Nazism, or the current fight against terrorists who fundamentally oppose our culture and values.
However ambivalent our victories may have been, or will be, we nevertheless honour those who died in defence of civilisation. Not just democracy, not just for King and country, not just for blind patriotism--but for the defence of civil society and freedom for all. Blunders and mistakes have been made, leaders drawn us astray and militaries misused throughout history. But, ultimately, the sacrifice of our soldiers embodies a willingness to maintain the security of our society against all manner of threats.
And to those who have died on the front of whichever war, may you rest in peace. Whether or not your specific sacrifice was ultimately for a good cause is immaterial now, and your death is nevertheless remembered by we, the living.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.
In Memoriam