Victorious is not a word I think I ever use. I don’t think it’s a winning situation if there’s a victor. My response to marking 75 years since VE Day is to post a video of Edwin Starr‘s “War, what is it good for “ as I worry that in a time of crisis there might be an eagerness to find something to celebrate, and the temptation to focus on partisan sacrifice rather than acknowledge every loss of life, civilian and military, from whatever nation on whatever side. I can understand a celebration of a war coming to an end (tho for many it didn't). I cannot however go along with the idea of hailing a victory, or the nationalism that can come with applauding soldiers of a winning side.
Absolutely agree. Yesterday could have been an opportunity to reflect on collective effort across nations.
ReplyDeletePartly related to this issue is that I am sure when I was a child Remembrance Day was to remember all who died, soldiers and civilians whatever country or war. Perhaps it was just the perspective my father and grandfather took which I picked up but don't think so.