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On a beach at dusk

 

ANZAC Day Service - Cromer RSL

Whilst I have studied the history of the First and Second World Wars and firmly believe that understanding that history, why and how it happened, is important in understanding the contemporary world, something about the memorial ceremonies sets my teeth on edge. I think it's the way they become an excuse for mawkishness and fawning over the military, which I find more than moderately distasteful. 

Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day and others are also used by the jingoistic to goad and brow-beat those less inclined to take the 'my country, right or wrong' approach to these conflicts. We are asked to remember the fallen without also necessarily remembering the cavalcade of negligence, incompetence and stupidity from their leaders that set them on the path to death. ANZAC Day at least has slightly less of this as Australia and New Zealand commemorate those sent to die at Gallipoli by their leaders half a world away; although I will qualify this with the sense that this is fading every year.

Schools make no allowance for this nuance and happily send their pupils to take part in ceremonies that emphasise the military service aspect with no mention of 'lions lead by donkeys'. So I found myself dropping off Child 1 to Cromer RSL to sing in the dusk service held there. 


Media consumption highlights for April

Charlie Brooker on how to report news features.



Accurate political philosophy ramblings in interview


Useful documentary on one of the most influential schools ever to come into being, despite its rather brief history.


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