Okay folks, get ready to SOB.
In France, in December of 1914, on Christmas Eve, a group of German soldiers started singing “Stillenacht,” which we know as “Silent Night.” The English troops on the opposing side began singing along, and eventually the two groups sang several carols together in their separate languages.
Then one brave soul decided to leave the trench, with a truce flag held high, and slowly, the rest of the soldiers also moved into No Man’s Land. They exchanged Christmas greetings, played a rousing game of soccer, sang a few more songs, and yes, traded some secret goodies sent from home.
At dawn, they were forced to go back to the trenches and resume their duties, but after the impromptu Christmas parties, THEY COULD NOT BRING THEMSELVES TO FIRE ON THE OPPOSING TRENCHES. High command had to intervene and ship the soldiers on both sides to different locations on the front.
Keep in mind also that many of these soldiers were between the ages of 16 and 35. Some had wives and kids back home, some were fresh out of school. Some were younger and had lied about their ages to enlist. Some were there out of a sense of duty or to earn money. Some had been drafted and just wanted to go home. But every last one of them completely abandoned the idea of fighting in favor of celebrating a shared holiday.
If you’ve never heard the song “Christmas In The Trenches,” it tells the story of what was known as The Christmas Truce and you should give it a listen. I can’t hear the last verse without crying.
Oh my name is Francis Tolliver
In Liverpool I dwell.
Each Christmas come since World War One
I’ve learned its’ lessons well.
That the ones who call the shots
Won’t be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle…
We’re the same.
Let us hope that holiday cheer and good will find those who most need it this season, and that our troops overseas come safely home.
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