A century ago today, the world witnessed 37 million lives suffer untimely demise. A century ago today, the world was at war. Many considered the war as the deadliest conflict to face humankind. It was World War I.
The world today remembers the tragedy that was World War I by honoring countless heroes.
Britain centers its commemoration at Glasgow. Glasgow hosted the Commonwealth Games of 2014. This year, competitions were synchronized to end the day before the centenary of the Great War. This was to ensure that representatives from various Commonwealth were in Scotland for the centenary.
After the games, Glasgow was transformed into a solemn silence, a perfect venue for the world to come together and reflect on the dark consequences of conflict among nations.
Yesterday, Glasgow Cathedral hosted a special service graced by key dignitaries including David Cameron and Prince Charles. People from different races and various walks of life also headed to Glasgow to join in on the commemoration.
One diplomat from India, Ranjan Mathai, spoke of the war by quoting one famous saying of a soldier from the period. "Do not think this is war. This is not war. It is the ending of the world,"
"A hundred years after the war, today, we have countless ways to make a difference in the world without having to endure a drop of blood," said Park Jun, a South Korean national who flew in to join the centennial celebration. "A hundred years ago, heroes probably had to stand up even if it meant losing their lives to protect their freedom," Park added.
"Today, we are very much privileged to be living in a society where we value respect and solidarity more than power," said one Glasgow college student said.
"Back then, the world view was rather different," he added.
