The Ego of War

Today in Aotearoa it is ANZAC day – a day to remember all those brave soldiers who went to war to fight for our country. Me mihi atu ki a rātou mā, rātou i tū kaha i te pakanga, ko rātou kāore i hoki mai…
I think about war, the war that my tūpuna fought in, the war that many of our tūpuna fought in and died. And I wonder, what this was all about? I wonder what it would have been like if my Dad went to war, perhaps I would not exist if he did? And whatever possesses someone to want to take another’s life? I’m still trying to understand that…
koru hand painted rock
I honour all those who fought in the war, for their bravery, for doing what they thought was right for their country, and for the many people who did not come home from the war. I also honour those whānau who bravely sent their loved ones off to war…
But I do not condone war at all. I do not believe that war is the way forward and I do not believe that it is a solution for any problem…
I think about our armed forces today and I ask, what are we preparing for? Why prepare for another war? Why?? I’m a firm believer in what you put out, you get back and I wonder how would things be in this country and the world if we constantly put out thoughts and actions of peace and aroha instead of war?
Ko ōku ake whakaaro mo te rangi nei…
Arohanui,
Jo x

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