What major historical events do you remember?
I’m in my 60’s so this list could be endless, and of course it depends on what you consider to be historical. However:
Age 6: This is the first – Kennedy assassination. That impacted because Caroline Kennedy was the same age as me and had lost her daddy.
Assassinations of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. Robert Kennedy.
Deaths of Churchill; Diana, the Queen Mother, Margaret Thatcher, The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. Bobby Charlton.
The 1966 World Cup, yes it still matters because those men are legends, and all such achievements stand forever. Ditto the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Marriages of Princess Anne, Charles and Diana, Andrew and Fergie, and divorces thereof. Also the remarriages, William and Kate, and the much hoped for marriage of Prince Harry. Followed by that sad outcome.
Vietnam war. Iraq war. Afghan War. Middle East events. Ukraine (just why?). Why any of them?!
9/11 💖 This one holds a specific place in my memory. So many things do but I think it was the visuals, a Hollywood movie come horrifically to life. Seeing the second tower fall. I still feel it. Grenfell, ditto. My Green for Grenfell heart is always on my noticeboard.
Other terrorism atrocities, especially Bataclan in Paris. Also the Middle East. Irish troubles. Eniskillen and more. UK terrorist attacks, particularly Parliament in 2017, we were there. The Manchester Arena bombing.
School shootings in America. Columbine, Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, Parkland, Santa Fe, Roosevelt, and others. They all impact.
Murders: Stephen Lawrence (I’m still disgusted), Damilola Taylor (ditto, he was so sweet). Keith Blakelock, Keith Palmer, Yvonne Fletcher.
I could go on and on and on. Sadly most of it is not good. But:
Holding on to hope and beauty
I also remember the people who stepped in to help on the sad occasions, the way that people came together, Muslim communities attending vigils after terrorist atrocities and showing their grief and support. Holding out a hand which so many wonderful people took.
The police officers 30 years younger than me who stood between me and danger in 2017, ready to give their lives. That really hurt. It was also magnificent to see exactly what they would do for their people and country.
The fire brigade at Grenfell Tower and the Twin World Towers. Going up when everyone else was (rightfully) going down.
I remember many magnificent occasions, many incredible humans, from the most ordinary to the famous and super famous who have stepped in when there was need. The ‘Live Aid’ concerts.
To me every killing hurts. Every maiming hurts. But in this world there are far more beautiful people, more happy events.
Sadly the worst stick in the memory, and sometimes, when you’re older, you know that too many of those things have become lost in the bigger shocks, but they remain close to the heart.
Most importantly
I remember the sacrifices in both world wars, the fact that many soldiers were forced to fight. I remember that our freedom is built on their bones. Look what we’ve done with it!
I don’t personally remember the Holocaust, but I will never forget it. Or the terrible tragedies caused by trying to right a terrible wrong that are causing so much hurt today.
I’m on the side of the innocents, always.
In saying this, the world is still a wonderful place I’m holding onto hope with everything I’ve got at the moment. We have just lived in turbulent times.
Deb xx
Deb Hawken - Amorah 