31 January 2010

sunday, reflecting

This morning I woke to a lovely email from a New Zealand artist who will be in Cassino in May. Our exhibition is about Remembrance and Peace. We are remembering a war that ended in this area 66 years ago in May, a little later in other parts. The message is that we must all work for peace, in whatever way we can.

Peace is not just the absence of war. It is about the equal distribution of resources, about everyone being able to achieve their full potential no matter where they are, what type of government they have, what their religious beliefs are.

In my work here I meet many young soldiers, wonderful young men doing what they see as their duty for their country, for eventual peace in other countries. The stories from today are equally moving. Just now, on Facebook, I read about Red Friday, wearing red to show support for British troops past and present. The author wrote a touching account of a scene at an airport as troops were leaving for Afghanistan. If you want to read this for yourself, I have posted a shortened version of it in the comments section below.

While these young soldiers march off to war, my friend Bruno travels the world working for international peace. Here is his website, well worth bookmarking to check back on when you need information, or have time to reflect.

Peace starts at home. While looking for my earlier references to Bruno in this blog I found something that I had written in February 2008. It was timely for me to read it again. Now, not only do I have something to say, I have a place to say it. No matter who you are, you can make a difference. The comment at the end of this post (also February 2008) is valid for all artists. Thank you again, Bruno.
"Peace is what happens when all peoples are free to develop themselves in the way they want, without having to fight for their rights." (Bruno Picozzi)
If only we could send as many peace workers around the world as we do troops...

Today I am grateful for international peace workers.

1 comment:

Kay said...

Red Friday - PLEASE PASS THIS ON
(Edited to fit in this space. This is from a UK based group supporting British troops, wearing red because soldiers continue to be wounded and bleed).

Last week I was in West London attending a conference.

While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.

I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms, as they began heading to their gate everyone
(well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone.
I'm not the only red blooded Briton who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of
course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line
everyday for us so we can go to school, work, and enjoy our home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers.

He knelt down and said 'hi,' the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy.

Suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 5 months now.

As the mum was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second.

Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie.

They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her,
'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.'

He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a Kiss on the cheek.

He finished by saying 'Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mum at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum.

I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause.

As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own.

That young soldier in one last act of moment turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.