Rev David Warner column: A war of a different kind

In his latest column for us, the Vicar of Mossley, Reverend David Warner, says we should be grateful for the freedoms won for us by the heroism of others in the Second World War.

On 15th August, we mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day - the end of hostilities in the Far East - that really brought the fighting of World War Two to an end. 

We recalled VE day in May, and in 1945 as now, those who were involved in that fighting felt forgotten - the conflict there didn’t have the immediacy of what had taken place in Europe.

Though we may not mark VJ day with street parties, we are able to look back and be thankful for the eventual outbreak of peace that ended World War Two. 

In modern times, because of the internet and the speed of news, we can feel close to events on the other side of the world in virtually real time - all of us will have been affected by events that happen elsewhere in the world - we probably all remember where we were when the news of JFK’s assassination came through, or 9/11, or the Manchester Arena bombings.

Like so many, I was appalled to watch the video of the recent explosion in Beirut, and the destruction that it caused: not in this case the work of terrorists, but poor storage of dangerous chemicals. 

Twenty-four hour news and the internet can leave us feeling overwhelmed by events - but it serves as a valuable reminder that we all live on a fairly small rock in the middle of space - whatever divides us, as a human family we have far more in common.

Covid-19 is affecting the whole world, and those who are less fortunate (in this and every country) are badly affected. 

Be grateful for the freedoms won for us by the heroism of others, and together let’s carry on waging our war on this virus that seeks to keep us apart.