Author: bsefran

A Gun-Free Salute, for Remembrance Day.

In Remembrance of fallen airmen and all who gave their lives for their country: a gun-free salute!

Why airmen in particular? I made this one a few years ago, because of an incident in my wartime childhood which has always stayed with me. I have never understood why we celebrate so many peace-related events, or greet royalty for instance, by firing a weapon!

Of course, On November 11th, I wear a red poppy in remembrance of ALL the fallen – in WWI, WWII and all other wars.

But I ALSO wear a WHITE POPPY. Here is some info about it:

 If you don’t already know about it, for next November, check out the White Poppy for Peace movement  and consider wearing a white poppy as well as a red one.  The movement, decades old, is apparently somewhat controversial. I think if people really understood it there would be no problem.  Wearing a white poppy is not disrespectful of the red poppy. Those who wear them believe “Remembering is important but it isn’t enough”.  Wear it to:

* commemorate ALL victims of war (troops, civilians, peacekeepers, all who lost their lives  or suffered, on both sides)

* reject war as a tool for social change

* call for dialog and peaceful conflict resolution

* show your commitment to building a better future

The fallen forces of the countries who are fighting are not the only fallen, not the only hurt! Many more deaths are civilians. Many more are hurt.

War affects everyone! If you wear a white poppy, it is best to wear a red one as well, to show you also respect the red poppy.

May we all continue working, each in our own way,  to promote peace all year!

Two from A City Called Life: Getting Somewhere! and The Opponent.

From A City Called Life Series : Getting Somewhere?

From A City Called Life: The Opponent

The “opponent”, yes . . . .. . that annoying person whom you can never quite see, the one who foils all your attempts to get just what you want in the Chess Game of Life !