November 11th, 1918.

100 years ago this day, one of the most devastating wars of human history finally came to an end. A war that lasted over four years, and saw death and destruction of monumental proportions on both sides. A war fought in hundreds of kilometers of trenches, mud and blood soaked craters. a war that witnessed the end of the old styles and ideals of warfare.

The First World War gave the world its first taste of what would eventually become modern warfare. Millions of young men were sent to fight in a war that was waged between the world's leading colonial powers at the time. On one side were France and Great Britain, assisted by the Russian Tsar (the Triple Entente); on the opposite side was the Triple Alliance, comprised of Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottomon Empire and Italy (until 1915).

They thought it would be a grand adventure, a chance to prove their valor and courage in the field of battle. They thought it would be a short, easy war against a terrible force of evil. They thought it would be over by Christmas.

They thought wrong.

Rapid cavalry charges supported by marching bands were eventually overshadowed by concentrated infantry defenses supported by machine-guns, artillery and, eventually, armored vehicles/tanks. Millions of young men, women, doctors, civilians and children were killed, wounded and misplaced all around the world - All across Africa, the Middle East, Western Europe, and below/above the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.

This war brought about the birth/rebirth of nations young and old. The Ottomon Empire was divided into new separate nations. Poland regained its independence after nearly 300 years under the Russian Empire. And most of the British colonial dominions earned a place at the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, including Australia, India, New Zealand, and Canada.

Unfortunately, it also brought much pain and suffering that would be felt for years to come. The Armenian Genocide/Holocaust, during which 1.5 million Armenians were slaughtered by the Ottomon Empire from 1914-1923. The rise of the Bolsheviks in 1917, whom following the Russian Civil War (1917-1923) reformed the Russian empire into the Soviet Union. And the rise of the Facism throughout Europe, including Benito Mussolini in Italy, and the birth of Nazism in Germany under Adolf Hitler.

The Great War was truly a world war, and it truly did 'bring an end to all wars' before it. It ended the dream that warfare was a grand adventure, awakening the world to the harsh reality of modern battlefield tactics and weaponry. It remains to this day one of the most bloody conflicts in human history. However, we must not dismiss the stories of courage, brotherhood and sacrifice that came from that war. Despite the horrific odds stacked against them, there were many common soldiers that rose above and beyond the call of duty to see the fight through. Though they may not have fought for their King or Country, they most assuredly fought for each other.

They were friends. They were family. They were Brothers.

That is why I celebrate Remembrance Day, so that we will remember those brave souls who fought, bled and died for their fellow countrymen. Despite the tragedies that arose after the war, we can and should remember those who had fallen, and those who survived to talk about what they had done. For it is those memoirs and stories that we, as the next generation of young minds and hearts, must remember if we are to prevent another world war from erupting.

And so, to all my readers from different religions, cultures, skin colors and languages...I ask you to look to these fallen warriors, not with contempt, but with respect. Honor them for surviving the worst of battlefield conditions, and all those lived on to share their story.

And to those who fought and still fight for our freedom, God of Heaven willing, you shall not be forgotten.

Rest in Peace...Lest We Forget.