What happened on December 8th?
This is the start of one of the best seasons of the year. Christmas. I know, I know, not all of you celebrate this holiday, but for me it's a time of happiness, great memories and a time when my kids eyes shine. Let's avoid the religious celebration, the crass commercialism and let's just work with the idea of what this time is supposed to represent. Rememberance, Peace on earth and good will to men.
But when you think about it, this season contains some of the worst tragedies that affect all of us. Maybe not directly, but we are continuously reminded of them.
1) The bombing of Pearl Harbour, Dec. 7/41
2) the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Nov. 22/63
3) the murder of John Lennon Dec, 8/81
4) Ecole Polytechnic Massacre, Dec. 6/89
5) the Indian Ocean earthquake and resulting Tsunami Dec. 26/04
Why am I pointing these out, instead of starting to celebrate. Well, I think these events need to be remembered so that the people who suffered won't be forgotten. When I was scanning the Wiki list of disasters, I saw events where thousands of people died. Is it right that these people are written off and forgotten, I don't feel that they should be. I think this time of year is the most important time to remember them, this is when we should think of the simple lines of "but for (insert god, fate, karma, etc) grace that could be me and mine" Be thankful for what you get.
Labels:
history,
John Lennon,
pondering
