Our duty to remember and respect the war generation – The Yorkshire Post says

WINSTON CHURCHILL was speaking in the context of the Second World War, which ended 75 years ago, when he addressed the US Congress and said: “Sure I am this day we are masters of our fate, that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond our endurance.”

But his galvanising words, pointing to a need for perseverance, can also be applied to today’s struggle with Covid-19 as the country falls silent tomorrow to honour those who gave their lives in two World Wars, and more recent conflicts, in the name of freedom.

And they remind us, 80 years after the Battle of Britain helped to maintain this country’s liberty, about the need for national unity if the contemporary foe – Covid – is to be overcome as this period of remembrance and reflection is also used to acknowledge those who have succumbed to the virus and mark the relentless work of the NHS.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is, of course, regrettable that Covid protocols, and a new lockdown, mean official services are being scaled back to such an extent – veterans, for example, will not be allowed to march past the Cenotaph in Whitehall on the 100th anniversary of its unveiling to pay their respects, as they have always done with such diligence and duty, to fallen comrades and ancestors.
As such, individual acts of remembrance on doorsteps will have added significance and resonance – let’s hope the rainbows of hope placed in windows during the first lockdown can be superseded by evocative paintings of poppies to honour the selfless example of the ‘greatest generation’.
They saw it as their duty to always remember the fallen, help the less fortunate and support local communities – simple acts of humanity, and respect, that matter so much now. For, if they’re faithfully followed, it will serve to reassure the diminishing number of Second World War veterans that their sacrifices, and Churchill’s example, will define Britain at all times.

Graeme Bandeira's poignant illustration to mark this Remembrance Sunday.Graeme Bandeira's poignant illustration to mark this Remembrance Sunday.
Graeme Bandeira's poignant illustration to mark this Remembrance Sunday.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click here to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1754
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice