This famous saying of Albert Schweitzer opens the gate to a German Military Cemetery in northern France, 50km east of Caen in the village of Lisieux. Inaugurated in 1961, this cemetery was part of the Franco-German War Graves Agreement, where 3,735 German soldiers killed in action or died in Normandy between June to August 1944 were given their final resting place. Many died in the hospital in nearby Lisieux, while some were killed on the battle field in the Normandy campaign.
War cemeteries deeply touches me, as they are evidences of the ultimate evil and also the ultimate sacrifice. How painfully laborious it is to bring a life into the world, and how swiftly this life is taken away.
Nothing can replace a life, especially to the family and loved ones.
Immediately next to the German Cemetery is the British Cemetery. Here I quote some of the touching words inscribed on the headstones:
"Your parting wish,
'Keep smiling, mum'
With aching heart I try."
"Greater love
hath no man than this
That a man lay down
his life for his friends."
"A voice we loved is still
A chair is vacant
In our home
Which never can be filled."
When can we stop fighting?
Brief details from Commonwealth War Graves Commissions: http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2005001/St.%20Desir%20War%20Cemetery
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