Quietly Paying Tribute to the Victims of War

13-year-old Max put on a grey sweater that June morning. His 9-year-old brother, Jean, wore shorts as summer had come to Saint-Lo. They were in a daze, staying close with each-other in the horror that surrounded them. Operation Overlord or D-Day had commenced on June 6 just days before. The historic liberation of Western Europe from the grip of tyranny had started.

The young brothers did not think much of history on that day - they had one clear but heroic job - search through the rubble and call out for their brave father who was a French liberation fighter and had gone missing. The two then learned that their father had been coldly executed by the occupying Nazis for acts of resistance. Their lives further altered by the horrors and brutality of war.

It is right and appropriate that we honor the liberating allied forces, and also soldiers who found themselves on the wrong side of history. However, lest we not forget the tragedy that civilians endured in that destructive June. In northern France alone, it is estimated that nearly 20,000 civilians were killed, 300,000 left homeless, and an estimated 100,000 cattle and 8,000 horses killed. Civilians and families are always the innocent and tragic victims of war and conflict.

We honor the dead and casualties of war by investing in peace each day. Governments need to invest more into diplomacy, international development, humanitarian relief, and conflict resolution.

What can we do as individuals? We honor individuals like Max and Jean and so many other children by quietly bringing goodness to our family, reconciling or reconnecting with an old friend, or supporting our neighbor or colleague with kindness. Each day affords us that opportunity to make a difference at home, in school, or at work. It may be subtle and a seemingly insignificant act, but simple charity does advance peace, both in ourselves and in those around us. Consider doing something for peace today.