Carnage, mayhem, and millions dead and maimed. The combatants declared an armistice. By decree this event was assigned to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was hoped that men learned the lesson of such senseless slaughter.
Yet, today, when it appears that war is all around us, it remains an ever present evil. Commercials show guns firing and troops rushing in. Poppies dot the landscape where thousands of young, hopeful, vibrant lives passed in a moment. War is never easy, never pretty, and in most cases of retrospect, unnecessary. Such is the vulgarity of war.
Yet, there has been good that has come from this. Ridden in an ambulance? Thank war. Has a helicopter carried a loved one to the hospital? Thank war. Did they put an IV into an arm and hook a bottle of water overhead? Thank war. Taken a pill for a headache? Thank war. It is our very fear of war; uncontrollable violence meted out on a populace that cannot escape, that drives innovation.
The Red Cross became a symbol of safety and security. From the battlefields of Europe to America and other far corners of the world, the idea that men should not suffer for their stupidity developed the tools that we now depend on to live in a safer world. Volunteers learned to pick up the broken soldier, repair him and make him ready for one more fight. Bringing the hospital to the person in need developed from this early idea. Today it is a casual thing for a helicopter to descend close to a scene of catastrophe and airlift the victims to sanctuary.
Dr. Givens, frustrated with powders too easily dispersed, perfected the pill and spawned an industry that now saves millions by providing a safe, effective tool to administer medicines. Other doctors and nurses perfected needles, intravenous bottles and filtering machines. Yes, there is a positive side of war.
Take a moment to thank those who gave their lives that the world might be a better place. There is not a flag, a bugler playing taps, or a parade that can replace those who we have lost. We can and will offer thanks for the gifts that were given on a battlefield in a place far away.
Orpheus Allison is a photojournalist living in The County who graduated from UMPI and earned a master of liberal arts degree from the University of North Carolina. He began his journalism career at WAGM television later working in many different areas of the US. After 20 years of television he changed careers and taught in China and Korea.
