Shells screamed through the air, pitting deep craters in the once
green, peaceful fields. The land was drastically changed from an
idealistic farmland to a gory battlefield as thousands died in what
would be later known as World War I. It is no joke: everyone shudders at
the mere mention of war. Countries do their utmost to avoid it when
possible. Why? Because war is destructive. It changes landscapes into a
living hell. It depletes food stores and destroys crops and livestock.
It ruins relationships. War is costly. It claims the lives of thousands,
not only soldiers, but in many cases civilians as well. It costs
millions of dollars to fund and supply fighters with weapons and food.
It drains a country dry.
For many of us today, war is something to avoid. It is something we
dread. It is the stuff of nightmares and demented dreams. It is the
gruesome tales of books, films, and songs. And for some, it is only a
cold, gory reality that cannot be escaped from.
But try and picture with me for a moment. Use your imagination and
see if you can also see what a world would look like without such
conflicts.
I see a world of peace, a world of harmony. I see a world where
sons and daughters need not leave their families to go off to
fight--some never to return. I see a place where countries thrive
together, exchanging cultures and ideas. I see a world where the terrors
of war are not to be found. They are nonexistent.
Some of you doubt such is possible. Perhaps it is. Perhaps a world
without war is only a fancy--a mere whisper of a dream, nothing more.
But I will not forget the idea of a war-less world. Peace can be
obtained. War is not the only solution to disagreements. Peace is
possible. It may sometime seem far off and distant. But it is possible.
Peace can be had--if you only want it enough.
