"To Remember is to Work for Peace"

- a line I've heard a number of times in the last little while. Just recently, I saw it on a thought-provoking tribute to
conscientious objectors, on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mdfehr/posts/10152882737121474?fref=nf

The above mentioned post, is a reminder to pause and reflect not only on the ones who lost their lives on a battle field, but also those who  bravely stood up for what they believed and many times were ridiculed for it, labeled as 'cowards'. I believe it took every bit as much courage to stand firm for their convictions of peace and love, come what may, as those who chose to bear arms and fight. But rarely are conscientious objectors mentioned on this day set aside to remember. I sometimes get the feeling, because they didn't choose the battle field, their sacrifices don't matter. They do matter, at least to those of us who believe as they did. And they too need to be remembered.

Among those who chose not to fight, were Hutterites, Mennonites and many others. To read about Hutterites who because of conscience sake could not sign up to fight, click here: Sentenced to Alkatraz. Duane C. S. Stolzfus has written a very detailed account about this heart-wrenching, historic event.: Pacifists in Chains, a book I highly recommend.

In the name of remembering the brothers and sisters who dared to take a stand for 'love thy neighbor'. May they always be a source of inspiration as we continue to work for peace.

                                          

Be Thou My Vision - Prairie Praise Hutterite Choir