Unity the key to success 75 years ago and now
On8May countries around the world will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. At the time there would still be three more months of fighting in the Pacific, but for a few hours, people rejoiced in the hope of peace.
Commemorations such as this are times to reflect on the millions of men, women and children who lost their lives from all nations and to honour the heroism and extraordinary courage of the veterans who liberated Europe and brought to an end nearly six years of conflict.
As we commemorate those who gave their lives in the Second World War, we should draw on the strength, determination and unity of purpose that they showed to bring liberty to Europe.
The Second World War showed us the darkest side of humanity. It redefined our understanding of antiSemitism, racism and intolerance. We will never forget the courage and service of our men and women who helped defeat fascism. Nor will we forget the bravery of our allies, including eight million Commonwealth citizens, who fought by our side.
It is also a time to reflect on what we might learn from the dark days of war. Code breaking, intelligence, and deception operations played a significant role throughout the Second World War. And information is a key part of the battlefield again today, although its pervasiveness makes it far harder to manage and to attribute sources than it was 75 years ago. Disinformation is a troubling feature of the current media environment, even if it is only as strong as the divisions on which it feeds.
The Second World War was a catalyst for huge change and innovation in society and also in the global institutions that were constructed in its aftermath. The United Nations, NATO, the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the IMF, all were created as a result of the War.
It took a whole of nation endeavour to triumph in the Second World War. All of society mobilised and united behind the war effort. In today’s ‘war’ the ‘enemy’ is invisible, but no less lethal. Once again, the whole of society is mobilising. We can learn much from the resilience and indomitable spirit of those who fought and lived through the Second World War.
In today’s ‘war’, it is the NHS – a post-Second World War innovation itself - that is on the frontline. The NHS and the Armed Forces have often worked together in the past, and the Armed Forces are very proud in the current battle to be supporting the NHS in delivering lifesaving care in an heroic fashion.
If there is one lesson we always learn from war, it is that the next one will not resemble the last. We should remember the winning qualities in all wars are adaptability, agility and a cross-government, whole of nation united effort, with strong international alliances.
To those who gave so much in the Second World War, thank you for your sacrifice. We must learn from what you did, we must stand together, united in a common purpose and a determination to defeat this unseen enemy.
As Churchill said in his VE Day speech: “in the long years to come not only will the people of this island, but of the world, look back to what we’ve done, and they will say – do not despair.”