I propose a truce: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all

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   Credence2posted 7 years ago

   I propose a truce allowing the rightwinger access to our trenches in greetings and good cheer, at least for the moment, similar to this touching account from World War I:
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   Starting on Christmas Eve, many German and British troops sang Christmas carols to each other across the lines, and at certain points the Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing.
   
   At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues. At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer.
   
   Some soldiers used this short-lived ceasefire for a more somber task: the retrieval of the bodies of fellow combatants who had fallen within the no-man’s land between the lines.
   
   The so-called Christmas Truce of 1914 came only five months after the outbreak of war in Europe and was one of the last examples of the outdated notion of chivalry between enemies in warfare. It was never repeated—future attempts at holiday ceasefires were quashed by officers’ threats of disciplinary action—but it served as heartening proof, however brief, that beneath the brutal clash of weapons, the soldiers’ essential humanity endured.
   
   During World War I, the soldiers on the Western Front did not expect to celebrate on the battlefield, but even a world war could not destory the Christmas spirit.

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      Randy Godwinposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Ditto for me, Cred! I give all of my antagonists on the forums permission to dog me out. Merry Xmas y'all!

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         wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         *Hopping into trench*  And a Very Merry Christmas to both of you, too!  As misguided and foolish as you both are, I would be pleased to apply the label "Friend" to both.
         
         *Raising glass* To a wonderful new year for all of us - may we ALL prosper and keep the spirit of peace and goodwill every day of the year.

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            Randy Godwinposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks, Dan! I feel the same! 

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            Credence2posted 7 years agoin reply to this

            *Hopping into trench*  And a Very Merry Christmas to both of you, too!  As misguided and foolish as you both are, I would be pleased to apply the label "Friend" to both.
            
            *Raising glass* To a wonderful new year for all of us - may we ALL prosper and keep the spirit of peace and goodwill every day of the year
            -------------------------------------------------------------------
            Wilderness,
            
            Hey, you were supposed to come unarmed. So what is with the stiletto, do you have to get a barb in every time?
            
            We see you and your entourage as misguided and foolish from our perspective. The point is to avoid dragging this out as neither you nor I can prove the absolute wisdom of either your course or mine. Still proud to call you my bud, though...
            
            So, in the face of this reality why don't you simply have another drink and let me offer you something from the foo-foo platter.
            
            For a few days we should have peace and respect, before I rush you back to your side of the Maginot Line.
            
            Best wishes to you for the most prosperous of New Years......

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               wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               I'm sorry, Credence - it was meant to be said with a friendly grin and taken the same way, not as a knife.  My apologies.  You have a wonderful Christmas tomorrow.

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                  Credence2posted 7 years agoin reply to this

                  No problem, Wilderness, thanks...

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         Credence2posted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Randy, I hear you, great to serve with you in the ongoing struggle.
         
         All the best for the coming holiday season...

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   ahorsebackposted 7 years ago

   Credence , I don't even want the "flamethrower "  for this  thread ,   I too will wish you and all of yours the Merriest Of All Christmas   ,  I have often actually though of what happened between enemies in that story as my Father was in the fox holes and snow banks of the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardenne's  on Christmas 1944 ,  he was wounded on New Years Day the next week  yet returned to the front months  later to arrive in Berlin  and the Elbe River in the spring and meet the Rissians across the river .
   
   Either way , can you imagine  that actually happening , laying down arms and  sharing photos , trinkets and C rations for a couple of hours ?  I mean , without even hardly knowing each others language ,    If they could do that , then surely we can all learn such an incredible lesson in making peace .
   
   Merry Christmas Credence !
   
   Is it true about the spiced egg -nogg , Man I love that stuff!............:-]

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      Credence2posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Hey, bud, you have been in great form all this year. The stimulus of your discussion will get my juices flowing better than my morning of coffee. This forum would be a truly boring place without you.
      
      You and Randy Godwin have something in common, he told me that his dad was involved in Battle of the Bulge. This has to a source of great pride for the both of you. I have a soft spot for first hand historical experiences. If your dad had ever shared with you the account of his experience during the time, I would enjoy reading such a hub, if you ever desire to publish.
      
      I made a point to travel to Honolulu in December, 1991 to be on hand to observe the 50th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack on the 7th. President George HW Bush was on hand for the occasion. The men were delightful, the survivors  descended upon the city like a swarm of locusts. I met a few of them and ask them questions as where each were when the bombs fell? That got me on an excursions all over town, plied with drinks until I couldn't walk. I managed to get a few Kodaks with some of the guys as mementos. An opportunity to touch real history in real time, fantastic.
      
      Best to you and the family for the coming year....
      
      PS. Try a little of that eggnog in your coffee, instead of cream with a touch of Evan Williams or Jack Daniels as a 'flavor enhancer'.

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         ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Ah , thank you Credence ,  What would any of us do without  this form of discussion , I have made mistakes in judgement about people and their ideologies , I have also made mistakes in judging you and shouldn't have . 
         
         I think we all love our country equally .  And for that I am proud , I will consider that request for the story about my father ,  we were strangers as it was , but I felt deeply about his service  as I do  about all patriots .  As I do about your service .
         
         I love that story about Honolulu , I'd love to here that whole story now !
         Again , Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

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   PrettyPantherposted 7 years ago

   Merry Christmas,  everyone,  and a Happy New Year to all! 
   
   Peace, 
   Sandy
   aka PrettyPanther

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   Aime Fposted 7 years ago

   Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.

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      gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Merry Christmas to all, Conservative, Liberal, Progressive, Reactionary, Republican, Democrat, Moderate, Establishmentarian, Antiestablishmentarian, etc.
      
      
      

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      PrettyPantherposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      

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   IslandBitesposted 7 years ago

   Happy Holidays!

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