Last night I played a classic wargame published in the 70’s by Avalon Hill, Squad Leader. I have played a few other WWII games lately and it has kindled a desire to know more about the war. I managed to pick up a few books on WWII and have been reading about famous battles and the overall time line of the war. Many of the games I play create a keen tension around decision points. There are many risks and the decision angst is strong. I cannot imagine how horrific some of these decisions must have been in real life. Perhaps some of the allure of these games for me is that it reminds me of the cost paid in blood by so many. I always reflect on my granddad and uncles during Remembrance Day, I quietly honor their service in the two wars. I also give thanks that they returned from these conflicts. I am very fortunate to live in a relatively peaceful time. Sure there is conflict in the Middle East that Canada is involved in, but is certainly not in league with WWI & WWII. The Middle East conflict is a moral question of should we be involved, the two world wars were not, hence I say we are in a time of relative peace.

It is a fascinating period in history. The monumental cost in life for the conflict is staggering. It really is beyond my ability to comprehend. I am glad that I have discovered an interest to learn more the war(s), I am glad that gaming has kindled a deeper interest to learn about that period in history. It is humbling on so many levels.

I give thanks for this time of peace & safety. It is a luxury that I play games that are an abstraction of war rather than fight the real thing. I would be tremendously remiss if I did not acknowledge that distinction and offer sincere thanks to those who fought for my safety.

A very evocative song that captures the cost of war.

Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.  This world in arms is not spending money alone.  It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.  This is not a way of life at all in any true sense.  Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron.  ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower