Flanders Region, last days before December 25, 1914: Christmas truce on the Western Front. These are events that we probably learned about from readings or films, and whose protagonists were soldiers from both sides of the front, who, despite being forced to fight against other men stationed in the trenches opposite their own, let the desire for peace and brotherhood prevail over martial discipline, thus meeting their “enemies” in a friendly way in a spontaneous and informal truce, against the will of their respective high commands (who gradually managed to stifle such feelings during the Christmas days of the following years).
It is the uncontainable and universal desire for peace that springs from the heart of every human being, a precious but very fragile gift that can be suffocated with brutality and coercion in oneself or in others, or that can be cultivated and protected by bearing witness to it, sometimes even at the risk of one’s own safety or comfort. Even in these days of Christmas 2022, in many places and circumstances, from the most sadly known such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as in many others more or less known or remembered, the gift of Peace is not welcomed, in the midst of mourning, suffering of all kinds, destruction, distrust and fear. We of AMU feel united with countless other people throughout the world who are genuinely and strongly committed to restore strength and spread Peace in the heart of every man and woman, in family and social relationships, in relationships between States and Nations; because without Peace we cannot think of arriving at a United World. Renewing this commitment, we wish all friends and supporters of AMU that the Christmas holiday season brings the serenity and joy that only “peaceful” hearts can offer: the most precious gift that can be received and given. (AMU Board of Directors)
