The recent media discussion regarding the age of young people entering the armed forces has prompted me to reflect once more upon the great sacrifice of former generations so many of whom were still in their teens when their lives were taken. On Remembrance Sunday our memorials were crowded with thousands of young people remembering what was given by their great-grandparents to preserve our way of life.
One of my favourite poets, Wilfred Owen, summed it up in the poignant words of Anthem for Doomed Youth:
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? Only the monstrous anger of the guns, only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle can patter out their hasty orisons. No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, - the shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; and bugles calling for them from sad shires. What candles may be held to speed them all? Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes. The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, and each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.
But are our youth still doomed? Not if Remembrance Sunday is anything to go by! Not if the aspiration and inspiration of children and young people offering themselves to serve others is any indication. Patrick Regan of XLP says: “I refuse to believe that this is a lost generation” and I wholeheartedly agree with him!
Let’s hear it for the youngsters of then AND now and not forget!
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