This weekend, Saturday 30th June, was Armed Forces Day, so here’s a selection of photos from a couple of homecoming parades i photographed of the 2nd Mercians.
As a person i’m anti war. I’ve campaigned against war in peaceful ways, and been arrested for it. There are those who think that because i’m anti war i hate the military. What i hate is the need for the military. I hate that we still haven’t grown as a human race to live together in peace.
I hate the reasons for war!!
I hate the way politicians twist the truth and send young men and women to war!!
I hate religious fanatics who have a desire to maim and kill in some twisted belief that it’s what their god would want!!
I hate violence!!
But i do not hate those who join the military. They have chosen their path in life and i respect their decision. If there weren’t so much evil in the world there would be no need for the military, but sadly we do need them. I hope i show in these photos, and the fact i wanted to take them, that i do respect the individuals who choose this path.
I really do find these events quite emotional. I’ve had friends in the military, and whilst some have been fine, a few have been left completely screwed up by their experiences. I’ve sat and talked. I’ve been on bike rides and ended up sitting in the woods and listening for hours on end. They have understood why i’ve campaigned against war, and some have joined that campaign.
I hate violence! I hate the killing! I hate war!
I live in hope that one day the human race will learn to live in peace, and that we can find ways of dealing with our differences without the dreadful slaughter of the past and present. I somehow doubt we will, but as a human being, i have to hope!
Derby 26th June 2012
Derby 26th June 2012. Love his smile…
Derby 26th June 2012. Market Place with Guildhall and war memorial.
Derby 26th June 2012. No words needed!
Derby 26th June 2012. Young soldier giving a TV interview.
Nottingham, 5th December 2009.
Nottingham, 5th December 2009.
Nottingham, 5th December 2009.
Nottingham, 5th December 2009.
Nottingham, 5th December 2009. So young….
Nottingham, 5th December 2009. Another great smile.
Nottingham, 5th December 2009. A young soldier with family, and his girlfriend on the left in the white scarf.
Nottingham, 5th December 2009. I really love this photograph. A perfect moment, and beautiful light.
P.T.
