Voices of the few
One of the most remarkable books I have read in recent years is called The Last Post by Max Arthur. It is simply a collection of interviews with the final World War One veterans still surviving. Fourteen in total, although several passed away before publication of the book, and now only five remain. There is no analysis. No critique of their views, or detached reflection. Just the few who were there telling the stories as they remember them. I urge as many of you as possible to read this book.
The BBC have done something similar now, interviewing all five remaining WWI veterans, and you can see short excerpts of the interviews here. I am not ashamed to say that they brought tears to my eyes.
On a day like today it is even more poignant than usual to reflect on the quiet dignity of these last few old men who experienced a terror which I solemnly hope nobody ever has to experience again in the future.
Rick
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