Submitted by Steven Kaszab

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, while imagination encircles the world. (Albert Einstein)

Imagine that this image appears in your mind and you cannot shake it, walk away from it or divert it in any way.

You see a back drop of rocky hills and in the center is a stone table. It appears to be made hastily. Beside the table is a kneeling priest with his hands clasped in prayer, his eyes closed in concentration. Behind him are several soldiers doing the same, with different expressions on their faces, but all centered upon their own situation, a situation of conflict that is threatening them and their comrades. Image this happening on the Russian-Ukrainian Front. Imagine those troops were members of the Canadian Forces in one of the world wars. 

Their prayers may have been centered upon self preservation, but more likely hope expressed for their fellow comrades to be Godly safe as they attempt to end the conflict with a win. The priest has such thoughts, asking God for divine protection of his flock, each of the soldiers with him. That the wounded would heal, those terrified have their souls uplifted and calmed. There is no greater thing in this world that can create within humanity, the need for HOPE. Hope for survival, protection and success. Hope that their comrades will be with them at the end of the conflict in one piece. Hope to return to their loved ones, families and community. 

The Priest prays for an end to that conflicts and perhaps an end to all wars. One can only hope right?

Another image erupts in your thoughts, that of a large tent in a valley. The sky is filled with dark clouds and vehicles keep coming in with a load, and leaving empty moving towards the front lines. Within the tent are many dozens of patients in various levels of distress, wounded by enemy fire and multiple accidents while on the field of battle. A doctor stands ready searching for those patients that can be saved, and those secondary in the term of triage. Who will possibly live today? Imagine the pressure upon this professional having to choose something only God should be able to do. Beside him is a priest wearing vestments ready to ease the distress of patients, uplift their spirits and unfortunately carry out the prayer of the dead. He tells them God is with them. Some patients ask why God is not with them on the field of battle? Whose side is God on anyways? Patients realize they may die. Shouts of despair, longing and fear fill the tent. The solemn atmosphere at the alter in the field has evolved into a a chaotic horrid mess as wounded bleed and cry out for help, mercy and longing to live. 

A final scene you can imagine is in a field on the shores of France. Multiple grave sites with white crosses litter the field, and at the center is a massive stone structure placed to commemorate the dead and missing. A cloudy day with only a few visitors are present. One in particular, tall and dignified, with a smart but aged uniform worn once a year. Standing at the front of one particular cross marked unknown soldier, this aged soldier stands silent with tears flowing down the face. A smart salute with a bit of shaking due to the soldier’s emotional response. The soldier lost many a comrade and their bodies never found. their families unable to visit them from time to time. This grave site of the unknown soldier enables the soldier and others to grieve and also remember. Remember their comrades during the good times when laughter, jokes and wine flowed and their brotherhood developed. Men and women alike, Soldiers. 

Picture these in your mind. Consider being there, fighting for your nation, its cause and most importantly for your fellow soldiers. Are prayers enough? Can hope erase the horrors or simply uplift your spirit so you can accept that you have no control over events and societal demands. All you can do is hope it never happens to you or your loved ones. However it is happening across the planet to others searching for help, assistance and a reason to hope. Perhaps give them a reason.

Imagination will carry us to worlds never seen, like a world without war. But without imagination you go nowhere. Carl Sagan

Imagine a world without war, where the masses share the earths plenty. Imagine.