Like many Australians, every year I attend and participate in two culturally significant community events - ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. Both days are a time to honour the memory of those who lost their lives on the battlefield and are a sober reminder of the lasting scars that war leaves on our humanity. Each year at these services the solemn sound of the Last Post played by the bugler is either preceded or followed by the recitation of the "Ode of Remembrance" which ends with the phrase "Lest We Forget".
While it is right and proper that we remember the fallen, have we forgotten what they fell for? Has history taught us nothing? Have we not shed enough blood? And in the words of songwriter Bob Dylan, "How many times must the cannon balls fly, before they're forever banned?"
The relative peace that follows when the guns are silenced leaves those who are wounded or displaced by war suffering relentless physical and mental conflict. The freedom celebrated by some becomes bondage to others and remains elusive for most after a ceasefire is declared. The human cost of armed conflict only really serves to perpetuate the brokenness of our humanity instead of purchasing the peace and freedom all humankind ultimately craves.
When we say "Lest We Forget" it must not just be a lament about the past but a resolution for the future! Every time we say "Lest We Forget" it must move us beyond reflective commemoration towards a robust commitment to find a better way! Therefore, "Lest We Forget" that ALL human beings are made in the image of God and have been created to live in shalom with our Creator, each other and the world we share.
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