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| We must also remember the bravery of those who opposed the war | We must also remember the bravery of those who opposed the war |
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| Seumas Milne is right to highlight the need to resist the government's hijacking of the commemoration of the first world war for nationalist political ends (Comment, 17 October). In remembering the sacrifice of the millions who died, were wounded physically and mentally, and those left bereaved, all in the cause of mutual nationalist jingoism, we should not forget those who showed courage in standing out against the war, against conscription and particularly those who refused in conscience to serve the war effort. The £50m programme of commemorative events must include this important element in the narrative, particularly that disseminated through schools. | Seumas Milne is right to highlight the need to resist the government's hijacking of the commemoration of the first world war for nationalist political ends (Comment, 17 October). In remembering the sacrifice of the millions who died, were wounded physically and mentally, and those left bereaved, all in the cause of mutual nationalist jingoism, we should not forget those who showed courage in standing out against the war, against conscription and particularly those who refused in conscience to serve the war effort. The £50m programme of commemorative events must include this important element in the narrative, particularly that disseminated through schools. |
| The Imperial War Museum's confirmation that their excellent Voices of the First World War series of podcasts will cover this is encouraging. It is to be hoped also that the funding will cover activities centred on celebrating and promoting peace-building initiatives. One excellent example is Bradford's Routes to Peace project, involving a number of partner organisations, community groups and individuals working together to engage a wide range of people in a season of events from March to June 2013 across the district, including schools, to explore peacemakers in the past and those who still work for peace locally, nationally and internationally. Paul Bunting Skipton, North Yorkshire | The Imperial War Museum's confirmation that their excellent Voices of the First World War series of podcasts will cover this is encouraging. It is to be hoped also that the funding will cover activities centred on celebrating and promoting peace-building initiatives. One excellent example is Bradford's Routes to Peace project, involving a number of partner organisations, community groups and individuals working together to engage a wide range of people in a season of events from March to June 2013 across the district, including schools, to explore peacemakers in the past and those who still work for peace locally, nationally and internationally. Paul Bunting Skipton, North Yorkshire |
| • Seumas Milne rightly criticises David Cameron's proposal to commemorate the 1914-8 war as a triumph of "national spirit". If any such commemoration takes place, may I suggest that the opponents of that war like Bertrand Russell and the many conscientious objectors who were imprisoned, like my father, along with Russell for their objection should be celebrated at the same time? The Imperial War Museum has held an exhibition of their protest and has copies of a film of the pacifist Friends' Ambulance Unit in its archives, which could be drawn on. Michael Barratt Brown London | • Seumas Milne rightly criticises David Cameron's proposal to commemorate the 1914-8 war as a triumph of "national spirit". If any such commemoration takes place, may I suggest that the opponents of that war like Bertrand Russell and the many conscientious objectors who were imprisoned, like my father, along with Russell for their objection should be celebrated at the same time? The Imperial War Museum has held an exhibition of their protest and has copies of a film of the pacifist Friends' Ambulance Unit in its archives, which could be drawn on. Michael Barratt Brown London |
| • Having seen David Cameron present his proposals for the programme to mark the start of the first world war and perceived his "truly national commemoration" as a cynical act of working the national card, it is reassuring to read Seumas Milne's article, illustrating the true facts. Yes we should, in 2018, commemorate the deaths of all killed on both sides at the end of a brutal and unjust war that wiped out a generation of young men. Glorifying the start of a war, where war has never proved to solve any international issue, has no place in modern Europe. The £50m would provide much-needed support to those disabled in more modern and equally pointless conflicts. As Scots, would we be cynical in thinking that the timing of this national flag-waving coincides neatly with the proposed date of the referendum on Scottish independence? Stuart and Jenny Campbell Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway | • Having seen David Cameron present his proposals for the programme to mark the start of the first world war and perceived his "truly national commemoration" as a cynical act of working the national card, it is reassuring to read Seumas Milne's article, illustrating the true facts. Yes we should, in 2018, commemorate the deaths of all killed on both sides at the end of a brutal and unjust war that wiped out a generation of young men. Glorifying the start of a war, where war has never proved to solve any international issue, has no place in modern Europe. The £50m would provide much-needed support to those disabled in more modern and equally pointless conflicts. As Scots, would we be cynical in thinking that the timing of this national flag-waving coincides neatly with the proposed date of the referendum on Scottish independence? Stuart and Jenny Campbell Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway |
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