Reflections on Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, we celebrate the peace that occurred at the signing of an armistice on November 11, at 11:00, in 1918 – 100 years ago. It was the “war to end war.” “When will we ever learn, oh when will we ever learn.”

Last February, I visited Coventry Cathedral on a trip to a Rotary Presidential Peacebuilding Conference in England. The hollowed out remains of the medieval cathedral that was bombed on November 14, 1940 during WW II, remains beside the new modern structure that replaced it. I joined other tourists in reciting the “litany of Reconciliation” at the altar of the remains. These spoken words honored the determination of the people of Coventry to offer “forgiveness and reconciliation in the face of the horror of war.”

During my doctoral studies as a choral conductor, I studied and performed the “War Requiem” by British composer, Benjamin Britten. Britten composed this gigantic choral work for the consecration of the new Cathedral at Coventry in 1962. This 85-minute piece combines the text of the Latin Requiem Mass with the poetry of Wilfred Owen. Owen was a poet and a soldier. Owen died in the Sambre-Oise Canal in France on November 4, 1918. No one will ever know his last thoughts, or what caused him to stand up in the trench and take the enemy bullets. “My subject is War, and the pity of War. The poetry is in the pity … All a poet can do today is warn.” – Wilfred Owen.

I am told that unlike Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day is a day to rejoice in the armistice – the end of the “war to end war.” An estimated 40 million people, military and civilian, died or you might say, were slaughtered in WW I. Of all the poetry of Owen that I have read, one passage keeps repeating in my head. It is a rewrite of Genesis Chapter 22 in which God tells Abraham to offer his first-born son, Issac, as a sacrifice and a testament to his devotion to God. Owen ends verse twelve another way: “Offer the Ram of Pride instead of him. But the old man would not so, but slew his son,- And half the seed of Europe, one by one.”

At this point, I feel like I should have a pithy conclusion or just a solid point of view. All I can say is that I will thank the veterans that I know for their service as they were not the ones creating wars. I will also work toward peace in my own life by respecting others – especially those who challenge my belief systems. And like the generation before me, I hope that the next generation will find the answer to peace on earth.

Amani, pace, salam, friede, paix, peace,

Claudia Frost,

Harpswell

Our legislators are our neighbors

To voters in Sagadahoc County whose preferred candidates lost, we understand that you are disappointed and perhaps even angry that the candidates you chose were not successful and are thinking that you will have to endure these next two years and then work harder to elect the legislators that you prefer.

But we are all neighbors living together in our communities. in our county and in our state so we write in the hope that instead of grinding your teeth you will consider another option.

We believe that each and every legislator who won this election in Sagadahoc County, (Representatives Seth Berry, Jennifer De Chant, Allison Hepler, Jay McCreight , Denise Tepler and Senator Eloise Vitelli) would welcome hearing from you and would respectfully listen and probably even respond to your emails and calls. You might surprise yourself and find areas where you could work together successfully. They might influence your understanding of an issue or you might enhance their view of the policy or legislation. Areas of compromise might be reached.

For years, we were usually on opposite sides of an issue with our representative, but the relationship was courteous and civil and he was always willing to be helpful when, for example, we wanted an event posted on his Facebook page.

Even though their philosophies might differ from yours. we urge you to approach your legislators and we believe you will be pleasantly surprised because we think you will find someone deeply committed to seeking solutions for Maine’s future.

These state legislators are our neighbors and care about Maine and each one has proven willing to work with colleagues in a true bipartisan fashion.  So please consider setting aside your frustrations and any cynicism you might harbor and give them and yourself a chance to work cooperatively to try to solve some of the serious problems currently confronting Maine.

Sandra and Ole Jaeger,

Georgetown

I’m boycotting Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops

I reside in a town with a relatively new Cabela’s store, and I live the State of Maine that is very proud to be the birthplace of the flagship LL Bean Store. I am not a hunter nor a fishing enthusiast, but I do avidly enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping and other outdoor recreational activities. The extensive gear I’ve accumulated over the years bears both the Cabela’s and the LL Bean brand names (as well as Eastern Mountain Sports).

I am gravely sickened by the gun violence and heartbreaking tragedies that have poured down on our culture and have plagued our children’s lives in our schools across the country. Additionally, I am disgusted by the NRA’s control over our elected officials (that favors Republicans and trashes Democrats) and their irresponsible, insensitive, cruel, and selfish desire to boost gun sales at any expense. Even many of my close friends, who are avid hunting sportsmen, are repulsed by the NRA’s positions and actions.

Assault-type guns must be banned – period. Unlike the bold stance adopted by LL Bean, Cabela’s continues to feature and sell assault weapons. Please know that I will no longer purchase anything from Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops, in-store or on-line. I’m placing the safety of children and others before your assault rifles sales and profitability, and the longer drive to LL Bean in Freeport will be well worth it.

Denis Netto,

Scarborough