For over 100 years we have remembered the end of the first world war, and all subsequent war with a tribute to those who fell. The red poppy has become a symbol of those war torn fields left red with the blood with dead and injured from both sides. I grew up at a time when Remembrance Sunday was considered something we should all reflect on together. For a while toward the end of the 20th century it became less well marked. Recent conflicts have re-ignited an interest and pride in our service men.
But from the first world war what about the conscientious objectors, marked as cowards they were sent to the battle arena to be ambulance drivers and stretcher bearers. Then there were the men who could not serve for health reasons that were not necessarily obvious. A shameful episode of our history when these men might be presented with a white feather as a mark of shame. I'm not sure these people were marked on those monuments in every town or their bravery acknowledge in any way or even individually remembered.
Then there were those poor souls who suffered what we now know of as PTSD. At the time if they tried to get away from the front lines and horrors there were shot as deserters. Hopefully long since pardoned the shame experienced by the family will at the time been very painful.
These people have been very much in my mind this year and my remembrance is focusing on them.
Yes the die cut used is of an armed man, our society still focuses on the forces rather than the ancillary services, on the dead rather than the wounded. The image, in white represents everyone regardless of nationality, or role played in the conflict.
The poppy is a Sweet Poppy stencil coloured with DI. The die cuts were used with white card.
Challenges
International Art and Soul - #121 Remembrance
613 Avenue - #11-2021 Anything Goes optional twist Thanks/Thanksgiving.
NBUS - #32 Always anything goes with never before used schtuff. In this case it is the dies that were used for the first time, having been purchased for this card at the NEC show last week.
Thank you.
Stay Safe, Keep Well & Have Fun
Great post, Zoe! Person's lives are more complex than common thinking and everyone needs respect for his choices and situations, especially in war time. Your card is a really lovely tribute to all that suffered.
ReplyDeleteSmashing deployment of your NBUS and a fab make Zoe
ReplyDeleteKathyk
Beautifully done and a fitting tribute.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful card Zoe and a lovely tribute post.
ReplyDeleteAvril x
A beautiful post and your card is so fitting for our challenge at International Art and Soul. Thank you for sharing it with us. Christine DT
ReplyDeleteZoe, this was so beautifully written, so moving. Thank you for your message. Your card is wonderful. And thank you for sharing with everyone at NBUS! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeletePerfect tribute and a very striking card Zoe x.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful well written post Zoe and love your card
ReplyDeleteCarol x
Your post is very poignoint and brought tears to my eyes, We know so much more of the horrors those men experienced now yet men and women are still experiencing them in conflicts around the world and whilst they don't impact our daily lives this opportunity to remember what they are doing hopefully brings us closer to empathy and understanding. I especially love how you've chosen a white figure to include everyone from every nation, regardless of their position in the war. Thank you so much for joining us at IAAS.
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