Sir – Are some of us more equal than others? Next Sunday, November 11, is Remembrance Sunday. So, across the country, there will be memorial services around our local war memorials — and at London’s Cenotaph. Regrettably, there will be practically no mention of the many millions of people “without faith” — whether dead or commemorating — in any of the words spoken by the approximately half-dozen different leaders (per ceremony) whose faiths are now approved by “the powers that be”.
But this year, at least as far as Oxford city goes, a wreath will be laid “by Oxford Humanists — and on behalf of the UK Armed Forces Humanist Association — in memory of everyone, with or without a religious faith, who died in the service of their country”.
Perhaps, next year, it might be appropriate for a few words to be said on behalf of the many thousands of military and civilian folk who just don’t think that giving your life for your country requires you also to believe in a supernatural ‘god’ who, naturally, supports ‘our’ side?
John D White, Chairman, Oxford Humanists
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