On this memorial day weekend we should honor the millions of children who have died in wartime. They are the forgotten yet they once lived the same as us. They had mothers and fathers, they played stick ball in the street, They had hopes and dreams when they grew up. But alas they never did. Their tiny lives were cut short not by nature but by other foolish humans. Someone targeted there school or home or playground. and there upon the spot where the had so much joy they died in pain. Sometimes it was on accident but other times it was on purpose. Please keep these souls in your thoughts. Lets not let their memories die as well as their bodies.
We as humans don't usually think of the cost of war. We in the U.S. often don't see the victims of our little adventures. It becomes a mindless video game or action movie. Yet let me ask you this. How many Afghan children has been caught in napalm attacks? How many Iraqi children perished as shrapnel decimated their bodies? We need to think of what the true cost of playing with our toys is. How are we affecting the country's where we play with them?
War is sometimes Necessary. Yet we should all remember who really pays when we bomb a city. They don't have voices they cant ask us to stop. They cant ask their leaders to surrender. And they can sign a peace treaty. Yet they are the ones who are constantly being hurt.
Whether it was World War 2, or Korea, or Vietnam or even Iraq or Afghanistan. These tiny lives were snuffed out and will never come back. So on this Memorial day remember the silent ones. The ones who never got medals, nor plaques. they never got any recognition. The attention they got was to be disintegrated in a nuclear blast or burnt to death in boiling water. Or blown up or shot or set aflame. So Take a few minutes and think of the children who died in the many wars the world has fought. Because these lovely children are never going to grow u.
In The 50's a poem was written that I think everyone should read. It really gets to the heart of this issue and slams you in the face with it. It's called I stand behind every door. It is also known as The Little Girl by Nazim Hikaden. Here it is.
The Little Girl
By Nazim Hikaden
I came and stand at every door but none can hear my silent tread I knock, but remain unseen for I am dead, for I am dead.
I'm only seven, though I died In Hiroshima long ago I'm seven now as I was then When children die They do not grow old.
I need no fruit, I need no rice I need no food, not even bread I ask for nothing for myself for I am dead, for I am dead.
All that I ask is for peace. You fight today. You fight today So that the children of the world May live and grow and laugh and play.
So as your going on vacation, or going to party's, or to the movies. Let's keep this unknown little girl in mind. For this one child represents millions who lost their lives due to our stupid games. If we can meditate on the ones who were forever lost. Perhaps atrocities like this will soon come to an end.