Open Link #297 at dVerse, and my thoughts in prose on the Olympic games. Submitted to dVerse August 5, 2021
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WHAT PURPOSE WAR?
.I joined the legions of viewers of the Olympics in Tokyo. I watched the march of countries one by one in colorful attire, each represented by the most talented of their young sons and daughters, and saw the city of Tokyo at its most glorious in reception of the athletes. My mind wandered to the time Japanese bombers decimated our navy in Pearl Harbor and thousands of bright young Americans died, and to the flight of the Enola Gay which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, and thousands of innocent Japanese died. As the German contingent marched in, I thought of the dreadful battles of the European war and all the young men and women whose lives were sacrificed in that conflict.
Now, here it is 80 years later, and the horrors of that war are relegated to pages in the history books of these young athletes as they compete in these games in harmony. Does this not speak for the dismal lack of purpose of war? Those who would make war for whatever reason would do well to learn from these young people, and carry forward the spirit of camaraderie that exists at the Olympic games. May it be so
I cheer on for their spirit, camaraderie and love for the sport.
ReplyDeleteThe athletes'dedication and spirit of camaraderie are a true inspiration Beverly
ReplyDeleteBev, this is a sobering reminder of all we have lost ....
ReplyDelete"Does this not speak for the dismal lack of purpose of war."
ReplyDeleteSo true, so true, so true
If I had to choose between war and the Olympics for the planet I know what I would choose.
ReplyDeleteMy point exactly.
DeleteI like the message in this Beverly. Lots to think about..JIM
ReplyDeleteI was born during that war. My generations sought for at least half our lives to change that response to differences but the world has revolved many times and the same sort of tyrants raise their ugly fists and seek to threaten freedom, and we as others before us are dying now. It's up to those who are left to rectify the wrongs and change the future. I wish them good luck and Godspeed!
ReplyDeleteMay it be so indeed! Amen to countries coming together in peace to celebrate what unites, rather than divides us!
ReplyDeleteThere is no sense in war. If only we could hold the spirit of our common humanity close in all our endeavors. Beautifully said.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. So well said Beverly.
ReplyDeleteWars have never served any purpose but that has not stopped countries from going to war. So well said.
ReplyDeleteSo well said, Beverley! And so well put. I couldn't agree more <3
ReplyDeleteWhat purpose, that is a valid question. Maybe, sadly, it takes the useless act of war to bring about harmony. We all struggle with the question, the act and the sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteYes, Yes, yes.... you are so right!
ReplyDelete