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Remembrance Day is still an important holiday in Bermuda, which sent the first colonial volunteer unit to the Western Front in 1915, and which had more people per capita in uniform during the Second World War than any other part of the Empire,

The ceremony honouring our war veterans was both touching and emotional this past Remembrance Day.

The historic parade in Hamilton is still as entrancing to me now as when I was a child going to the parade with my parents and grandparents, so much so, that I made it a point to take my children each year, and still make it a point to take my grandchildren.

They must know the history of the world wars and the part Bermuda played in it.

My grandchildren must witness the act of honour being bestowed upon the war veterans who so gallantly fought for our world. Their great-grandfather, Jack Lodge, being one of them.

They must see for themselves the soldiers who are still alive, marching to the Cenotaph (a smaller replica of the one in London), where wreathes are laid and speeches made.

The Cenotaph on Front Street and various monuments around Bermuda draped with poppy wreaths are stark and very necessary reminders of those who paid the ultimate price in protecting the world from tyranny.

However, is there ever a good war? Or should I ask is there ever a bad peace? Maybe someone can help me on this.

Somehow war must be a necessary evil. Necessary to fight and protect the good of society from the tyrants of society, but still it does not sit well. For in war, which is called by most times by "old" men and are fought by young men. Young men who are the very strength and health of the world are sent out to be killed and maimed. How much good is there in that? Sigh ....

The Bible speaks of war and so does the Quran. Read up for yourself, as this medium would not allow me the lengthy writing it would take to expound on the subject.

Killings

Last week saw the hideous killings at Fort Hood. The killings carried out by a Muslim.

It has been reported that the person responsible for these killings felt that he was ordered by the Quran to kill.

How awful and how confused this individual is. While I am not qualified to speak in depth on the matter, I can tell you unequivocally that the Quran I read does not order to kill.

The Quran says, as does the Bible, to fight against those who fight against you.

Just as in the two world wars, the soldiers, who we now honour, are taught to fight against the enemy until the enemy ceases its aggression towards you. Wars are fought to stop tyranny by a few over the majority.

It is only right that countries protect themselves from the aggressors.

However, in no way does Islam foster or promote war and killings.

In sura 2:191 "And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers."

If anyone reads this and interprets it to mean that it is okay to kill has unfortunately and ungodly taken the verse out of context.

Again, as I said before, I cannot expound in detail on this as my space is limited, but should you wish to discuss this topic further, please email [email protected].

Bermuda, may Allah the Almighty continue to cast His Blessings upon us. Ameen.

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