December, 18th. 2014 - Christmas Truce
The Christmas Truce is arguably one of the most heart-warming stories during the WW1 period. It is said that troops along the western front held a ceasefire during the christmas of 1914.
It is said that the troops started singing Christmas carols and that’s when they started to walk across no-mans land, to share words, souvenirs and comradeship. The shear imagery of this truce emphasises our desire to maintain peace across cultures. At this time, many of the soldiers shared the attitude of, “live and let live”.
During the time of the ceasefire, soldiers would bury the men that have fallen and repair the dugouts and trenches. The highlight of the ceasefire was the football matches that took place in no-mans land between the British and the German Troops. Football, the most well known sport in the world played a crucial role in Cultural Diplomacy, even at that time.
To mark the centenary, there will be commemorative football matches all over Europe. The most important, the match between the British and German Troops, as mark of respect. The match was fully equipped, even with some uniforms from the era. The proceeds from the football match will be donated to the Royal British Legion and German Military Charities.
This story is common knowledge to the majority of the citizens in the UK, yet almost unheard of in Germany. We can only assume that the German society does not feel the need to hold on to such stories, because of their past. In addition to this, it is known that the Germans do not feel the need to glorify tales of war. However, the great bravery and diplomacy shown within this tale should be promoted. Not only to commemorate the centenary, but also to show that even during times of great warfare, there is always a common ground. There is always room for diplomatic discourse.
Understandably it is not in our best interest to dwell on stories from the past, but society should hold on to the good examples of cultural diplomacy from the past, as lessons or guidelines for how to promote peaceful discussions within the global communities, in the present and in difficult times to come.
The Christmas Truce is a beacon for cultural diplomacy. It emphasises that something as simple as a game of football can bring people together, making troops at war to stop and reflect. Ultimately this shows the more human side of war. So popular is this story in Britain that Sainsbury’s (a British supermarket) chose it to be the theme of their Christmas advert. This was done with support from the British legion, emphasising the relevance of this story 100 years on.
To solidify this commemoration a memorial was unveiled by Prince William remembering 100 years since the Christmas Truce. The story of the Christmas truce is described as a Message of “hope and humanity”- Prince William. And thanks to the memorial this story will not be easily forgotten.
