Two years ago, Mr Pete wrote a fantastic piece about the Christmas Truce of 1914. In light of things going on in the world, it seems like a good time to revisit this story —editor
The Original as Posted 22 December 2021…
Mr Pete did it again! Made a mind-blowing discovery that, to be honest, needs to be viewed and digested over a number of sittings. If you didn’t know about the Christmas Truce of 1914, pull up a chair and settle in. You’ll lose yourself in the videos found below. View / Listen on! —editor
Here lies a story that needs not ever be forgotten (or left untold).
It is a story of pure beauty and deep sadness. It exists on many realms. Two of which are:
“Music is an Universal Language” and
“Music can Calm the Savage Beast”
It is relate-able to all citizens of the world, brings hope to a weary heart and perhaps a joyful tear or two from our tired eyes.
Read on and hear the Whispers from the Soul of this Old Romantic Warrior
I first encountered the story “The Silent Night/Christmas Eve Truce of WWI” when I worked in retail at a bookstore called BORDERS. I was always looking for items to promote for “add-on” sales. These were small affordable items that I would place near the register area. I also encouraged sales people to hand-sell the item, particularly when a customer ask for gift suggestions.
“The Silent Night, Christmas Eve Truce of WWI” came in a format the publishing industry called “chapbooks.” Chapbooks are small, short in pages and rather inexpensive compared to full size books. The perfect Holiday gift as a Stocking Stuffer or Secret Santa Gift.
Our unexpected boom of sales for this particular item, made it a hard one to keep it in stock that holiday season.
First I am providing a background video that was part of a holiday advertising campaign in 2014 for UK chain Sainsbury. By teaming up with a Historic Group, we can find this ad balances the art of consumerism with historical fact. The product seems simply to be “placed” not unexpectedly in a scene.
“This year’s Christmas ad from Sainsbury’s – Christmas is for sharing. Made in partnership with The Royal British Legion, it commemorates the extraordinary events of Christmas Day, 1914, when the guns fell silent and two armies met in no-man’s land, sharing gifts – and even playing football together.”
#WowMe! Just under 4-minutes and truly impactful!
And Now, 13-min of WowMe 1914 Truce…
This past October the band Sabaton gave us a music video interpretation of the story. A heavy metal tribute with shades of Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The video runs just under nine minutes, so give yourself some time and space to experience it.
What are They Singing?
“And today we’re all brothers
Tonight we’re all friends
A moment of peace in a war that never ends
Today we’re all brothers
We drink and unite
Now Christmas has arrived and the snow turns the ground white
Hear carols from the trenches
We sing O Holy Night
Our guns laid to rest among snowflakes
A Christmas in the trenches
A Christmas on the front far from home”
Worth noting… The cross in the end actually exists. It’s located somewhere near Ypres near Flanders. It’s a memorial for the Christmas truce and was put there in 1999. It reads:
1914
The Khaki Chums
Christmas Truce
1999
85 Years
Lest
We
Forget
Hit Pause to Reflect…
You might want to walk away and give yourself some time before continuing because… what’s next is even more emotionally impactful.
I discovered many “reaction” videos online. These contain a person talking about the video while watching it. So now, time-wise, you are up to 13 minutes of mind-blowing experiences. Well worth it, but plan accordingly.
The first is from Vlogging Through History (VTH) Chris who provides historical context and his thoughts on Sabaton -noting the quality of the music and the strength of the lyrics.
And this reaction is impressive too!
Please Hit Pause…
I could have put pencils down just on the Sabaton angle, but I couldn’t shake the imagery of this next piece. Took poetic license with the 1914 story, but really, who cares. See for yourself!
That’s a Wrap!
Worth repeating. Worth sharing. And as the great Stan Lee often remarked: ‘Nuff said!
I’m laying down my keyboard for a holiday break. Back at you in 2022. We at Jedemi wish you all the best. Thanks for reading/listening/viewing! #SCMF —Mr Pete
—30—
About Mr Pete
A music aficionado, Mr. Pete’s mind and ears have no horizons. He has the uncanny ability to suss out the right song for the right time — a skill that is truly amazing. The Gang here at Jedemi enjoys his contributions.
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