Remember the children
We who live far from war have the privilege of letting conflict slip in and out of headlines and political debates. But for the children of Ukraine, war is daily life. For nearly four years, many have known classrooms only through screens, or basements lit by dim bulbs where games are played to the sound of artillery. Their childhoods changed forever.
This story from Kherson offers a window into their world. It reminds us to be grateful for the safety our own children and grandchildren enjoy, and to commit ourselves to making sure they never know this kind of fear. And it calls us to remember those who do: the children who still laugh and learn underground, whose resilience in the face of devastation is something we cannot afford to forget.
Read more about the children of Kherson in this Guardian article.
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Evangel
According to the article, over the last 3.5 years, Ukraine suffered 3,018 child casualties which includes 733 children killed and 2,285 injured. While this is devastating and heartbreaking enough, U.S. children enjoy less safety. In 2022 alone, 2526 American children, including teens, died by gun violence. Also in 2022, 27,032 American adults died by suicide. The numbers get worse every year. Imagine the number of children impacted by the loss of a parent.
It's a different kind of war here, still one of survival, but the enemy is not a foreign invader—it's a do-nothing corrupt government that increasingly funds the needs of the wealthiest Americans while forcing the poorest into homelessness. And now, Trump is turning guns on the American people. Shameful to say the least. Is it any wonder Americans are killing themselves?
Slipstream
Children everywhere lose when those in charge forget their priorities. Money and power are at the top of the list; children are somewhere at the bottom, or not even on the list.
Evangel
Sad and true.
Homeless Valley
Why does anyone think war is cool? The first ones who come to my mind when the word "war" is mentioned, are the littlest victims. NO child should have to be caught up in its horrors. Nor should anyone else. Does it bother anyone other than me that we now have a Department of War instead of Defense? I don't get it. Is that supposed to make nations quake in their boots? Personally, I think it makes us look weak and foolish.
Slipstream
I agree.