Remember Fitz

LETTER FROM FITZ - 1984​​

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The year was 1914.

The place, Flanders.

The day, December 24th.

 

Allied and German armies faced each other across a hostile 'no man's land' that reeked of death.

 

Standing guard duty at midnight in the British sector was Pvt. Peter Goudge, age 23. Alert to every sound, he was startled to hear the strains of "Silent Night" drifting across the lines. He started to sing himself. Others softly joined in. Then the whole British line took up a carol of their own. The Germans cheered and responded with a joyous Saxon hymn. The singing continued.

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Before dawn, Goudge was startled again, this time by a glimmer of light moving out of the German lines toward his. A German soldier was picking his way across 'no man's land' holding aloft a small tree with flickering candles. Leaning over the barbed wire, he-shouted in English, "Merry Christmas!" As dawn broke, men on both sides of the lines emerged, shook hands, embraced and exchanged cigarettes and chocolate.

 

​Upon learning of the unauthorized "truce," the generals on both sides transferred their troops. 

On December 26th the killing resumed.

 

Nevertheless, on Christmas Day, in 1914, at 'no man's land', in Flanders, there was, for one, brief, shining moment, "peace on earth" .

 

​​And there will be again !

May the Prince of Peace bless you with joy this Christmas and always.