As a species we have a horrific history of inhumanity. For over 3,400 years of our recorded past, humankind has been embroiled in war and conflict almost non-stop. Some of us pause for a moment every year to remember. We live most days forgetting our obligations to the fallen.
NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.
We have an obligation to uphold and guard our hard-fought democratic principles. Not obfuscate facts and justify transgressions with partisan misinformation.
We have an obligation to seek to understand different cultures. Not promote bigotry and hated.
We have an obligation to help the least advantaged in society. Not demonize the poor.
We have an obligation to ensure the sustainability of our planet. Not deny the realities of climate change.
We have an obligation to learn lessons from the past. Not continue the cycle of humankind’s failures.
We have an obligation to equanimity. Not live our lives consumed with rage, fear and other base emotions.
We have an obligation to pay our fair share. Not live a life of personal avarice.
We have an obligation to live our lives trying to make the world a better place. They did.
Technical Note:
Photographs were captured hand-held using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were produced from RAW files using my standard process.
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Tom,
I remembered this headline from an advert a long time ago – “Give the history a present” and it is somehow apt alongside your wonderful photo-essay. Truly, we ought to honor the memories of those who gave up their lives so that we can have ours.
Oggie
http://www.lagalog.com
Thanks Oggie,
A line from a Joni Mitchell song also fits… “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone..”
Tom
Tom,
Oh yes, it’s “Big Yellow Taxi”, one of my all-time favorite songs about ecology (They paved Paradise to put up a parking lot)
Oggie
http://www.lagalog.com
A great songwriter… and a Canadian music icon.
Tom
Tom,
Oh yeah, I forgot that bit that she’s Canadian along with some of my other favorite singers like Diana Krall and Neil Young. My bad.
Oggie
http://www.lagalog.com
Excellent, Tom.
Bill
Thanks Bill.
Tom
Thomas,
You are, as usual, right on the mark. They fulfilled their obligation to us and the rest of humanity. We need to honour their sacrifice in our every-day lives. We take far too much for granted. The recent election should be an eye-opener for all of us as to how we all fall short of our obligations to the fallen. We MUST remember them.
Thanks for adding to the discussion Glen.
Tom
A simple thank you. Well done and moving.
Thank you Robert.
Tom