Dear Editor:
I was delighted to see the letter from Helmut Lemke in your April 26 edition (Are we glorifying war?). He voiced my thoughts much better than I could have done.
I have been very uncomfortable with the glorification of the Vimy Ridge battle and the defining of it as a means of identifying Canada. The First World War was an overwhelming disaster that benefited only the arms manufacturers and investors.
War is always an obscene tragedy for those directly involved and their families, both military and civilian. It is what right now in the world is leading to the incredible numbers of displaced people and refugees. It results from a failure of those in power, who wilfully promote policies that can only lead to conflict and war, due to their idealogical attitudes, self-righteousness, greed and fearmongering. It is a failure to resolve issues between countries and peoples diplomatically. It is of great current importance given the increasingly bellicose statements being made by the U.S., and the vast buildup of arms in so many countries.
I believe the likelihood of yet another world war is closer than any of us like to think, and what Mr. Lemke wrote should be heeded by all. Working for peace and demanding that our governments make peace is paramount .
Elizabeth Briemberg, Burnaby
