Published: Thursday, 6th November, 2008 09:00
Leader: For the fallen - we salute you
By The Reading Chronicle: The voice of Reading
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THE feeling of optimism sweeping the world today is palpable.
While the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States had long been anticipated, it comes with the belief that he has the ability to sweep away the old order and bring change and a new era, not only to his homeland but also to the rest of a troubled globe.
The names of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the loss of so many lives from so many nations in both those bloodstained lands, will be forever linked with his predecessor’s from-the-hip reaction to the Twin Towers attack.
Opponents highlight Mr Obama’s lack of experience in international affairs, but if that translates into a more cautious approach to a crisis then the world should become a much safer place over the next four years.
Mr Obama’s youth and vitality were, of course, key factors in his appeal to the American electorate but we must not forget that he is not the first politician in that mould to win the confidence of his people and then leave them disillusioned and disappointed.
This weekend the casualties of Western intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan will be very much at the forefront of the ceremonial marking the 90th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice which brought an end to what was mistakenly thought to be the war-to-end-all-wars.
We report this week on the experiences of two young men whose reluctance to be deemed heroes does them as much credit as the fact that they were quite clearly prepared to put their lives on the line, for both their comrades and to fulfil their sense of duty.
There is not a shadow of doubt that, had either of them found themselves part of other generations in the trenches of the Somme or on the beaches at Anzio, they would have let nobody down.
While the politicians can afford to make mistakes, for these young men that one mistake could be their last.
Saluting them and their fallen comrades from so many past and present conflicts is not to glorify war; it is however an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice and pray for a better future.
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Leader: Honourable honours