And yet there are the men and women whom we send to fight, and who go in our name.

Some believe war is totally wrong, a betrayal of the God of love, unthinkable for Christians. Others consider that there are circumstances in which going to war is fully justified.

Because we humans have not learnt to live without strife; because we do not know whether war multiplies evil, or if evil would reign supreme if no resistance were offered; because we have the wisdom neither to resist threats without violence, nor to settle disputes with peace, sometimes we fight.

Our motives are complex; sometimes our wars seem righteous, fought to overcome a legitimate enemy, sometimes war is waged through error and misjudgement, sometimes it is begun through pride or anger.

One thing is certain, though. For as long as soldiers fight in our name, for as long as they give their lives, for as long as they return wounded, for as long as their families grieve, we must honour them for their sacrifice, support them in their need, and comfort them in their suffering.

We must never glorify war, nor disregard the cost. But in turning from war and all its evils, may we not turn from those whom we send to fight, nor cease to value the fragile peace that they have won.

One other thing is certain. War is not to be a lasting feature of human life. At the end of time, God will provide for the healing of the nations, and the Lord who is “Prince of Peace” will be our light. (Revelation 22 v 1-5, Isaiah 9 v 6). Until then, we must value those who risk their lives in war on our behalf.

“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”

How could we forget?