Gary Samson Posted 15 July , 2006 Share Posted 15 July , 2006 I was struck by the similarity of the image on the front page of today's Guardian (15.07.06) to one taken just over 90 years ago on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Both, I think, capture the essential humanity of individuals who, for whatever reason, are caught up in a nation's choice to go to war. Gary Samson Canterbury, Kent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gporta Posted 15 July , 2006 Share Posted 15 July , 2006 ... And children still cry under the bombs, whether it is in Gernika, London, Dresden or Beirut. Sometimes I think that we'd live in a better world if the big grown-up world leaders imagined for a moment that they were children in a place at war and bombs were falling all around them. Gloria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Robertson Posted 15 July , 2006 Share Posted 15 July , 2006 The killing and dying were all done in vain, For, young Willie McBride, it all happened again, And again and again and again and again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Plummed Goose Posted 15 July , 2006 Share Posted 15 July , 2006 Once in a generation a mysterious wish for war passes through the people. Their instinct tells them that there is no other way of progress and of escape from habits that no longer fit them. Whole generations of statesman will fumble over reforms for a lifetime which are put into full-blooded execution within a week of a declaration of war. There is no other way. Only by intense sufferings can the nations grow, just as a snake once a year must with anguish slough off the once beautiful coat which has now become a strait jacket Ian Hamilton is his dairy .... don't remember if it's V I or V II .... but I can find it if you want ... Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiegeGunner Posted 16 July , 2006 Share Posted 16 July , 2006 Thanks Eric - I am currently reading John Lee's 'A Soldier's Life' and coming to realise what a complex and thoughtful man Ian Hamilton was. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Simon Bull Posted 16 July , 2006 Share Posted 16 July , 2006 Gary - how right you are. I saw this photograph and was very moved, but the resemblance never struck me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyHollinger Posted 17 July , 2006 Share Posted 17 July , 2006 Gary ... if we were all mute for just this thread; you're point would still be made. thanks for those two pictures ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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