In 1914, in the midst of the worst fighting during World War I, a strange phenomenon occurred. Unofficial, yet well documented, a truce broke out during Christmas. The Pope, Benedict XV, had proposed the truce but the warring nations refused to declare an official action, so ordinary soldiers took it upon themselves.
On Christmas Eve, German soldiers emerged from the trenches and engaged in celebrations with the opposing Allied forces. (https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/christmas-truce-of-1914)
It would be the last example of the old notion of chivalry among enemies.
The event was even celebrated in a heartwarming song about the exploits of Snoopy and his Sopwith Camel.
The news had come out in the First World War
The bloody Red Baron was flying once more
The Allied command ignored all of its men
And called on Snoopy to do it again.Was the night before Christmas, 40 below
When Snoopy went up in search of his foe
He spied the Red Baron, fiercely they fought
With ice on his wings Snoopy knew he was caught.Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ring out from the land
Asking peace of all the world
And good will to manThe Baron had Snoopy dead in his sights
He reached for the trigger to pull it up tight
Why he didn’t shoot, well, we’ll never know
Or was it the bells from the village below.Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ringing through the land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to manThe Baron made Snoopy fly to the Rhine
And forced him to land behind the enemy lines
Snoopy was certain that this was the end
When the Baron cried out, “Merry Christmas, my friend!”The Baron then offered a holiday toast
And Snoopy, our hero, saluted his host
And then with a roar they were both on their way
Each knowing they’d meet on some other day.Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ringing through the land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to man
And so in the spirit of Christmas I propose a truce. Join if you will, ignore it if you must, but at least consider it. From now until January 1, I propose a cessation of all political posts and arguments. Let Congress and those addicted to sustaining divisiveness do whatever they like, I for one will ignore it all and not contribute to the cacophony of anger and agitation.
Join me and spread the word. Restore the concept of chivalry among those of us who disagree on issues yet still love this country. There is nothing more hopeful in the Spirit of Christmas than a cessation of hostilities and a celebration of our common humanity.
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“Merry Christmas mine friend(s)”