World War I ended with dramatic timing – at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918!  The venue was equally histrionic: A railroad car outside Compiégne, France, where Germany, bereft of manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, signed an armistice agreement with the allies at 5 a.m. that morning. The Day is observed as Armistice/Remembrance/Poppy/Veterans Day in memory of those in the armed forces who died fighting for their respective countries in the line of duty.

World War I left 9 million soldiers dead & 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France & Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives. In addition, at least five million civilians died from disease, starvation, or exposure. And the staggering amount of $186 billion in direct costs and another $151 billion in indirect costs was the total cost incurred by the warring nations.

It is a proven fact that WAR adversely affects every aspect of life! Marking this date back in 1918 did not deter World War II.  Humankind can ill afford World War III – as use of our nuclear weapon arsenals will destroy our civilization and result in nuclear winter! 

However, we, ordinary citizens, can change the status quo, if we collectively petition our National Govts.  to introduce Nonviolent Defence in our Military systems.  So, on this poignant Day, dear Signatories, let’s continue to work with determination for a World Beyond War! Please carry on giving wing to Shanti Sahyog International Initiative #ChooseNonviolentDefence to your friends, family and contacts. And, do donate some amount for our slum children, considering it as a direction of funds from the enormous military spending to the poor and needy. #3.5MforSlumChildren Donate here: https://shantisahyog.org/make-a-donation/

Let’s listen to Mahatma Gandhi: “I believe all war to be wholly wrong. If war is itself a wrong act, how can it be worthy of moral support or blessings?”

Picture attached - Picasso’s famous painting GUERNICA  depicting the devastation caused by WAR