CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES -- 1914
In December, 1914, after months of slaughter during the First World War (it was supposed to be “The War to End all Wars”!), British and German soldiers declared an informal and spontaneous truce. The story of their fraternization and holiday celebration is told in detail here and here.
The event has been immortalized in a song by folksinger John McCutcheon, which you can hear and watch along with contemporary illustrations and a moving introduction by the performer.
The song ends with this stanza:
My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell
Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we're the same.
Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we're the same.
* * * *
John Lennon
(killed on December 8, 1980)
VIDEO: “All we are saying is give peace a chance” (1969)
* * * *
VIDEO: John Lennon – HAPPY CHRISTMAS (The War is Over)
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Yusuf Ibrahim (aka Cat Stevens)
VIDEO: “Peace Train”
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