We’ve just seen the 89th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that marked the end of the Great War in 1918. Each year on the 11th of the 11th at the 11th hour, Rememberance Day, we mark that moment with a minute’s silence. This happens in most parts of the world; definately in Australia where we particularly remember those who fought, died and came back from the 1914-1918 war.  We used to anyway, now I am starting to wonder if many people really care anymore. If the respect is dwindling if not long gone.

Apparently during the minute’s silence in a Sydney shopping centre last Sunday  few bothered to heed the public announcement and pause for the minute. While a small number of shoppers took the time to stand and pay respect the ignorant majority just carried on with their intention to shop. I suspect it was deliberate, people just don’t care anymore about such things. There is no respect for much nowadays; be it respect for our history, respect for the elderly, respect for property and especially human life. Selfishness reigns…me, me me.

Even here in France where the 11th is marked and where the Armistice was actually signed, the turn out locally for the rememberance ceremony was pathetic. And these people are supposed to be patriotic to the hilt. A few villagers wandered along to the ceremony in the square. The rest just carried on with normal life. It’s important to remember that they are able to carry on with their normal life, that we all can.  All those years ago many men died so that we could do just that. Lest we forget, yes. And God forbid we ever do.

It dosen’t hurt to remember them. It only takes a minute. Once a year.