You all are correct about for WWI. This is my absolute favorite Christmas song. Unfortunately the enemy in today's war agains us will never stop until every man woman and child who does not follow their interpretation of religion. I have first hand experience in the matter. I am not looking for a thanks or anything like that. I just want you to know that if you feel bad for who we fight, they will kill your wife, your children, and destroy everything you love and stand for before they kill you.
The enemy is not the one you point the rifle at. The enemies are bankers and politicians who put you there in the first place through manipulation and deceit - making profits and restricting your freedom at home in the name of national security. If you argue against this, then you still have much to learn, my friend, and you are truly naive to the point of stupidty. Google: 'WantToKnow(dot)Info'
"The most shocking fact about war is that its victims and its instruments are individual human beings, and that these individual beings are condemned by the monstrous conventions of politics to murder or be murdered in quarrels not their own." ~ Aldous Huxley, English novelist and critic, {1894-1963}
And for others I would like to add that we should NOT dedicate this song to people who are serving now, even though they make many sacrifices, but to peace and bringing those people home.
Sorry if my comment cools down your gentle feelings – which are quite understandable, given what we know of the horrors of WW1. This Xmas truce was an exception, a tiny display of brotherhood within a huge armed front. Remember that these Germans were singing "Stille Nacht" in the middle of countries they had invaded, which they had bombarded, where they had committed innumerable war crimes. On the other side, most Belgians and French wanted to kick them out and make them pay for the losses.
@Hippophilee Well, that's just the problem. As long as you see another person as a bad man, a murderer etc. war will continue. This story is about people who learn that their enemies are still people, even though they killed, something you and I will never be able to grasp because we don't know what it was like. This story is an exception, but it does remind us that people can show kindness and brotherhood under any circumstance.
@Hippophilee "They", meaning the majority of the German soldiers, likely had no involvement or choice in the atrocities the Nazi's committed. You have obviously never served if you don't understand the phrase "at each end of the rifle we're the same.."
@ncbilbo No Nazis there – we are talking about 1914. For the rest, we agree. Yet many people fool themselves: In fact the average rank-and-file is not better, or worse, than the average general. Our grand-grand-fathers of 1914 were not all poor, innocent victims. And they quickly came to know the men they were fighting.
There is a wonderful movie depicting this miraculous event called Joeaux Noel (sp?). It is in Englush, French and German (subtitles). Anyone who has been inspired by the peaceful actions of these soldiers should watch this beautifully done movie. War is futile, waged by the powerful at the expense of the common man, and for what - $, land, resources? These decision makers come from a mindset of scarcity and fear, while abundance and acceptance and joy is everywhere around us. Peace and Love!
As written in the video, you'd think we would have learned something from WW1. Support all troups... Bring them home. Let the rich old politians and the CEOs of the corporations thhat make billions from war be the one's to send their sons and daughter or even better themselfs to fight. Peace on Earth, Good Will to Man.
I thought I had the message of this song... but... thank you for hammering home the message. On each end of the rifle, we're the same. (so... how about putting down the *#$# rifles???)
The leadership on all sides were so frightened by the soldiers choosing to stop the War and celebrate Christmas with the enemy, that the next year the officers ordered that any soldier that tried to strike up another truce be shot as a deserter and a traitor.
Great blessings to John McCutcheon for writing and performing this song. It is nice that it has become such a classic that people don't find a need to attach a name to it -- but let us not forget where it came from, all the same...
Anyone who likes this song should see the movie as well. Its great, apparently after it the germans allowed the british into their trenches because of an airstrike. And the british did the same.
@Starfox5409 I think you've missed the point of the song. How about you learn from the mistakes of previous generations instead. Stay home, have a family, and teach your children to live peacefully and to respect others, no matter how different they may seem to be. Besides, I bet your mother would rather have you than a folded flag.
"Carissimo Presidente Giorgio Napolitano Le chiedo a nome mio, e a nome di tutti coloro che condivideranno questa mia lettera, di indire una prima giornata Italiana senza guerra per quest'anno, non serve che sia festiva, il prossimo anno sara' festeggiato nello stesso giorno piu' il giorno successivo ed ogni anno si aggiungera' un giorno solo cosi...Mostra altro
In 5 grade my class had to perform this in front of the whole school for our Christmas pageant. Now I am in 8 grade and I still listen to this song once in a while
It is a sad statement for humanity that these men went back to fighting each other after they got to know one another that day. It would have been great if they had laid down their weapons and just went home to family and friends and said "we're not going to fight your war", there would have been a lot of lives saved that day if they had. Believe people when they say that people who have seen combat wish for nothing harder than they wish for peace, I know, I have been there.
This song is truly amazing. And I agree with all of you. But what I don't understand is why after they hungout and realized we're all the same, why they would keep fighting that harsh war. Could've saved a lot of lives.
@LivtoLuvLifeDUH They didn't fight each other. The next time they met each other in battle they aimed way high over their heads on both sides. The commanders of the Germans and British swapped out the lines with fresh troops so they would fight. After that each Christmas time in the war they were made to fight twice as hard to make sure that peace never happens again in war. Truly amazing story.
@DataTasha4Ever I know that they did not have Christmas truces after this event in WW1, I do not know the circumstances for Christmas truces in other wars.
I think the most powerful part of the song is "who's family have I fixed within my sights." Reminds us how even our enemies are loved by other people and political differences aside, we are all human beings.
This song is one of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs. It truly captures the spirit of Christmas, and reminds us that miracles can happen even in the midst of a terrible war, even between soldiers fighting on opposite sides whose governments have decided they are enemies.
I cry... I cry when I remember the soldiers who served us. This song, it really stands out. It reminds us that war is not always the answer. They died for our freedom, as gladly I would too. My great grandpa died in those trenches. It... it was on Christmas Eve. He didn't live to see it. I cried... when my cousin went to war. Never forget, never, the men that died. I am happy, that this song is here to remind us that we are still the same.
"And on each end of the rifle we're the same." I agree..
The events that occurred that Christmas, although not dissimilar to any other Christmas in regards to friendship and caring, are the stuff of legends that will be forever remembered as during the atrocities of chemical bombs and the silent killers of the cold they still celebrated as one people.
There is a British website about the truce. It has actual letters of soldiiers describing the truce see christmastruce dot co dot uk Some of the letters, including the description of the soccer game, are included in a new book, Oh Holy Night:: The Peace of 1914. See amazon
@geekerdoerick Yes your so right, "The seed within the seed" Christ consciousness, there are so many different words for the same energy that lies with in all human beings, "love the whole world like a mother loves her only child"
So hard to do unless we let go of ego, and open our hearts.
WW1 was fought by a number of countries, not just Christian Europeans (to say nothing of European Jews and Muslims).
1. The Middle Eastern Campaign, Britain Alone send 2.1 million men to the theatre. Not to mention the French sent around 4 divisions, the Italians were in N.Africa with at least 60,000 men and the Ottomans had almost a million men under arms. Also the Germans sent a number of divisions to bolster the Ottoman Turks. Also E. Africa.
@fp470 " The thought manifest as the word, the word manifest as the deed, the deed develops into habit, and habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and it's ways with care, and let it spring from love out of concern for all beings. "
From a fellow vet - God Bless all our lads and lasses in uniform around the world. Your service and sacrifice is appreciated more than you will ever know, by more people than you believe.
@karlschlaussen Wow, are you serious. That's amazing. Did anyone sing with you in Vietnam? So you grandfather was actually there at the christmas truce? I thank you and your grandfather for serving. You both are very brave, courageous, thank you for risking your life for the people of the United States of America.
Christmas In The Trenches first came out in 1984 on McCutcheon's winter album "Winter Solstice" I was in Vietnam in 68 and I guarantee you it wasn't around then and nether were you!.
I first heard John sing this song many years ago - the first time I ever heard him - and he made me an instant fan. Congratulations to Mr. Cutler and his sixth grade class - with luck we'll be at peace by the time they come of age...
I do see your point. There is still evil out there. I just wish we would go where it counts instead of sitting around the middle east. Sudan needs the help. I also think we should worry about the homeland with the economic jam we are in right now.
eh, I need to stop thinking about this during the holidays.
let by gone be by gones and lets fix the present for the future. and just for the record, i will say that every mission i have been in , with the u.s military for some reason there was always 1 or more units of the following british, italian, australian, spanish, german, french etc...... fighting side by side with us. we have not fought alone against any country.
Hey, just curious, but uh, why are we all FIGHTING on the comments section of a video about peace? Maybe, if we'd stop playing the blame game, and put aside our differences of the past, we could actually get along. Stop bringing up the terrible histories of countries like it matters anymore.
the smartest remark i have read. i have been there done that with another soldier during combat on a holiday, if we would have gotten caught we would have been tried for treason. he whom we thought was the enemy was actually trying to protect himself and family from our massive attack.
Great song...... if you like this then Search " badcrooner " on youtube to listen to Pete Russell's moving new Christmas song " At this time of year " written for the lost and the lonely
Perhaps if the West was not so greedy and selfish, but helped and shared with the more needy and poor in the world, then , just then, perhaps we could learn NOT to fight and kill. After all, the 'soldiers' on either side are somebody's husband, son, father, brother and they are only following orders. I'm not sure any of them actually want to kill. Whatever you believe in, I wish you all well.
novone, its a fact in the u.s, but you have not mentioned how much has the u.s benefitted from some of these international countries, been there done that. watch closely our relation with colombia. U.S is not the worst place , but with all the noise we make we could be better. oh, and novone many of these facts i dont need, i have been in many of countries, 27 to be exact. got a first hand look and expirience. in many countries , many americans give very little value to other americans. chk it.
I just wish everyone in the world could hear and really LISTEN to the words of this song. Why do we have to go on killing each other over power, superiority etc.
I respect anyone of any race - any religion - any sexuality, etc etc. If we are human beings then let us be HUMAN.
SOme people are evil. Perhpas if you stop excoriating the westfor just one second, you would see that the USis not the worst place on the planet, quite the contrary.
Coronels, Generals well paid, would never ever say "No" to anything, ´cause their families at home eat very well and have a warm hous. They voluntary enroll themselves to the army.. If your (all) country lives from it (war), and you enroll yourself, you are likely to be sent to war.
The first part of the Vid is 5*, The second one, is more like publicty for the soildiers and their flags, (like a poem) .With this "New order" or desorder, War becomes more and more a lack of Morality Intenational act. War is a huge profitable industry and how would USA, G.B and other fellows without this exist?
You just can't help yourself, can you? You have to lecture everyone about how stupid they are for feeling that this story speaks to something other than your crusade. Yes, you simpleton, WAR BAD. This is how we beging to beat it and we don't need the sophomore lecture in morality and ethics from you.
novone. Living upon the pain of others, (you war makers= zionist supporters) how ethical that is . But let your govs answer to that, it would be unfair asking you to think.
Secondly, what does it have to do with crussades and all that irracional funny posting? you sound like a commedy with a hint of dramma and fantasy as well.
And yes, I can talk about ethics and morality I just did twice.
Are you writing these responses drunk or stoned? You mispell most of your words and makesuch outrageous statements that I can only assume ou to be a child or an idiot. I don't discuss politics with children or idiots so I will leave you now. Before I go, you maywant to invest some time onproofreading your posts. If youhada point it was lost in poor grammer and preschool spelling.
Illbrucka is a NAZI. I would do more than call this ass names if I could. This crap is the reason there is war. There is no superior race and I will call names and, if given the opportunity, kick the crap out of anyone who says there is. The US is not perfect. I don't claim it is. But there is no nation on earth that can claim purity. However, ANY nation or people that believe that any other race of people shold be eliminatied needs to to be brought to task and slapped down.
LIke the British for their "Empire" and their colonization of people and lands they had no business interfering with ... Australia, New Zealand, Turtle Island (aka North America), India, China, Africa, etc. Also, for Christianity, and the Vatican, for their pompous, self-rightious attitude, and their Doctrine of Destiny - which gave them the misguided belief that they could take any land if the ppl were not Christian, because then, they were not human.
THousands of years of Chinese and Asian agression, of inter warring Grecian city-states, of near-east genocide and you focus on the last 300 years like its the worst time in human history. Do you really believe that Islam or Budism or confucianism or any "ism" has peacfully worked its way across entire continents. You need a broader scope to see that Christians and western culture do not hold the copyright on Empire and Genocide in the name of religion.
it's truly touching, even at their worst times people can forget the war, even for a short while and come together and have a laugh, it just shows that war isn't everyones choice
This Christmas truce was somehow the last expression of Christian feelings in a world submerged by nationalism and materialism since the French revolution. It is moving to think of it, but don't get fooled: Most units on the front did NOT observe a truce. They had already seen too many atrocities in 4 months of combats to consider "the Hun" a "brother" and to play football with him.
i used to as well, it's a united irishmen song after all.
but then there's something poetic about the british army singing a song written by an irishman for three of his friends who fought against the british. at the end of the day the fallen are fallen, no matter where they come from or what side they were on
To hell with war; after all, that's where it originates. And to hell with the governments of this world, for the same reason. Christ's blessings of Peace and Liberty to all men in all lands. AMEN.
I am thankful that my son is home this Christmas. Last year he was in Iraq. 2nd tour, US Marines. God this song will always be in my heart....for the ones who are still fighting and are away from home this and every Christmas.
GREAT job!!! Hopefully these children can effect the changes that haven't been attainable thusfar so this, and similar, songs will be unecessary and irrelevant!
In this time Many Germans can spoke English, because the Emporer of Germany had the near to England Publicize. So many Germans learn English or work in the UK in this time. Sorry my english is not so perfect, hope you understand :)
What a great song about exactly what war is and who it's really for. Love it!!! War is a worthless exercise in egos, power mongering, hate in absence of a reason and the fact that the grass is always greener on the other side till we're there ourselves!!!
my fav story about this...many years ago John Mc. was playing at a festival in Belgium...the first 2 days he would play this tune and a group of elderly men would get up and leave immediately after John finished the song...on the 3rd day John played the song again and when those same old men got up to leave he spoke to them from on stage and asked them why, each day, they left after hearing this tune
one of them turned + told John that they were their that day, for Christmas in the Trenches
this song makes me cry. we listened to it today since it it our rememberence day ceremony. I wish the world would always be like this, no matter what your culture or who you are.
Just thought I would share my video with you .. Pics are from google images and audio is from an mp3 I've had here for awhile. The singer is Mike Harding. Your vid is very nice. Thanks! -- What if they gave a war and no one came? ;)
There is a full-length movie about this, historically researched including what the soldiers in the trenches did after that one Christmas, called "Joyeux Noel." from 2005.
my grandfather was in this and back in my 20's befor he died he told me about what it was like and how he smoked german cigs and tryed to understand this germans story about his family and then told the german about his family and when i saw this video i could not stop cry easy 10/5 stars
You all are correct about for WWI. This is my absolute favorite Christmas song. Unfortunately the enemy in today's war agains us will never stop until every man woman and child who does not follow their interpretation of religion. I have first hand experience in the matter. I am not looking for a thanks or anything like that. I just want you to know that if you feel bad for who we fight, they will kill your wife, your children, and destroy everything you love and stand for before they kill you.
hooah122389 17 hours ago
The enemy is not the one you point the rifle at. The enemies are bankers and politicians who put you there in the first place through manipulation and deceit - making profits and restricting your freedom at home in the name of national security. If you argue against this, then you still have much to learn, my friend, and you are truly naive to the point of stupidty. Google: 'WantToKnow(dot)Info'
wolf7379 1 month ago
Thank you for telling this story.
You may like "War is a Racket" by MG Smedly Butler.
Do an internet search for it.
sinner175 2 months ago
"The most shocking fact about war is that its victims and its instruments are individual human beings, and that these individual beings are condemned by the monstrous conventions of politics to murder or be murdered in quarrels not their own." ~ Aldous Huxley, English novelist and critic, {1894-1963}
ujohn 2 months ago 3
And for others I would like to add that we should NOT dedicate this song to people who are serving now, even though they make many sacrifices, but to peace and bringing those people home.
cyprel 2 months ago
Sorry if my comment cools down your gentle feelings – which are quite understandable, given what we know of the horrors of WW1. This Xmas truce was an exception, a tiny display of brotherhood within a huge armed front. Remember that these Germans were singing "Stille Nacht" in the middle of countries they had invaded, which they had bombarded, where they had committed innumerable war crimes. On the other side, most Belgians and French wanted to kick them out and make them pay for the losses.
Hippophilee 2 months ago
@Hippophilee Well, that's just the problem. As long as you see another person as a bad man, a murderer etc. war will continue. This story is about people who learn that their enemies are still people, even though they killed, something you and I will never be able to grasp because we don't know what it was like. This story is an exception, but it does remind us that people can show kindness and brotherhood under any circumstance.
cyprel 2 months ago
@Hippophilee "They", meaning the majority of the German soldiers, likely had no involvement or choice in the atrocities the Nazi's committed. You have obviously never served if you don't understand the phrase "at each end of the rifle we're the same.."
ncbilbo 2 months ago
@ncbilbo No Nazis there – we are talking about 1914. For the rest, we agree. Yet many people fool themselves: In fact the average rank-and-file is not better, or worse, than the average general. Our grand-grand-fathers of 1914 were not all poor, innocent victims. And they quickly came to know the men they were fighting.
Hippophilee 2 months ago
There is a wonderful movie depicting this miraculous event called Joeaux Noel (sp?). It is in Englush, French and German (subtitles). Anyone who has been inspired by the peaceful actions of these soldiers should watch this beautifully done movie. War is futile, waged by the powerful at the expense of the common man, and for what - $, land, resources? These decision makers come from a mindset of scarcity and fear, while abundance and acceptance and joy is everywhere around us. Peace and Love!
RagingZen 2 months ago 3
As written in the video, you'd think we would have learned something from WW1. Support all troups... Bring them home. Let the rich old politians and the CEOs of the corporations thhat make billions from war be the one's to send their sons and daughter or even better themselfs to fight. Peace on Earth, Good Will to Man.
Jenniferspartner 2 months ago 4
Thanks for the post the song always brings a tear no matter what time of the year it is
saoirseterri 2 months ago
I thought I had the message of this song... but... thank you for hammering home the message. On each end of the rifle, we're the same. (so... how about putting down the *#$# rifles???)
motthebug 3 months ago 3
The leadership on all sides were so frightened by the soldiers choosing to stop the War and celebrate Christmas with the enemy, that the next year the officers ordered that any soldier that tried to strike up another truce be shot as a deserter and a traitor.
KrazyFiberKat1 3 months ago
Great blessings to John McCutcheon for writing and performing this song. It is nice that it has become such a classic that people don't find a need to attach a name to it -- but let us not forget where it came from, all the same...
GracyMoore 4 months ago
7:08 :) beautiful, even the hardest of men have a soft spot.
Whoami691 4 months ago 2
If that had happend alone the entire front... the war would have been over....
Whoami691 4 months ago
in war there are no winners... only losers, it is our generations job to make sure those people are never forgotten.
R.I.P everyone who died in that war..
Whoami691 4 months ago
I love this song with all my heart. I just did a post on my blog about it, the link is on my channel if you would like to see it
caitlovesmakeup62 5 months ago
Anyone who likes this song should see the movie as well. Its great, apparently after it the germans allowed the british into their trenches because of an airstrike. And the british did the same.
jhonclease 8 months ago 3
@jhonclease Not airstrike. Artillery barrage.
thenoobfactor 4 months ago
when im hit the enlist age im gonna join
Starfox5409 9 months ago
@Starfox5409 I think you've missed the point of the song. How about you learn from the mistakes of previous generations instead. Stay home, have a family, and teach your children to live peacefully and to respect others, no matter how different they may seem to be. Besides, I bet your mother would rather have you than a folded flag.
ibonyun 9 months ago 2
"Carissimo Presidente Giorgio Napolitano Le chiedo a nome mio, e a nome di tutti coloro che condivideranno questa mia lettera, di indire una prima giornata Italiana senza guerra per quest'anno, non serve che sia festiva, il prossimo anno sara' festeggiato nello stesso giorno piu' il giorno successivo ed ogni anno si aggiungera' un giorno solo cosi...Mostra altro
giuseppegagliardi1 9 months ago
In 5 grade my class had to perform this in front of the whole school for our Christmas pageant. Now I am in 8 grade and I still listen to this song once in a while
emicat97 10 months ago
"At the end of each rifle we are the same" Lest we never forget those who fought for our freedom. I thank you.
AlgonquinPark1993 10 months ago
A truly remarkable song, makes me weep every time I hear it, and for it to be a true story makes it extra special, respect and love to the fallen X
ianpit1 10 months ago
It is a sad statement for humanity that these men went back to fighting each other after they got to know one another that day. It would have been great if they had laid down their weapons and just went home to family and friends and said "we're not going to fight your war", there would have been a lot of lives saved that day if they had. Believe people when they say that people who have seen combat wish for nothing harder than they wish for peace, I know, I have been there.
celticgerman2 1 year ago 3
Gone but not FORGOTTEN
londonderryable 1 year ago
Samll peace in the war 7:09
13100104 1 year ago
I just can't believe they went back to war after all of that... :(
ForbidenHawk 1 year ago
This song is truly amazing. And I agree with all of you. But what I don't understand is why after they hungout and realized we're all the same, why they would keep fighting that harsh war. Could've saved a lot of lives.
LivtoLuvLifeDUH 1 year ago 2
@LivtoLuvLifeDUH They didn't fight each other. The next time they met each other in battle they aimed way high over their heads on both sides. The commanders of the Germans and British swapped out the lines with fresh troops so they would fight. After that each Christmas time in the war they were made to fight twice as hard to make sure that peace never happens again in war. Truly amazing story.
ChrisP1341 10 months ago
@ChrisP1341 You sure? For some reason, I thought they had Christmas truces in Korea.
DataTasha4Ever 5 months ago
@DataTasha4Ever I know that they did not have Christmas truces after this event in WW1, I do not know the circumstances for Christmas truces in other wars.
ChrisP1341 5 months ago
another way we can show that the government dosnt own us...
BPR0421 1 year ago
I can't help but shed a tear whenever I listen to this..
mynamehappy 1 year ago
this song is truly beautiful. .
TECHhelpWITcomputers 1 year ago
I think the most powerful part of the song is "who's family have I fixed within my sights." Reminds us how even our enemies are loved by other people and political differences aside, we are all human beings.
PilotRyanProductions 1 year ago 8
This song is one of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs. It truly captures the spirit of Christmas, and reminds us that miracles can happen even in the midst of a terrible war, even between soldiers fighting on opposite sides whose governments have decided they are enemies.
springacres2 1 year ago
I cry... I cry when I remember the soldiers who served us. This song, it really stands out. It reminds us that war is not always the answer. They died for our freedom, as gladly I would too. My great grandpa died in those trenches. It... it was on Christmas Eve. He didn't live to see it. I cried... when my cousin went to war. Never forget, never, the men that died. I am happy, that this song is here to remind us that we are still the same.
"And on each end of the rifle we're the same." I agree..
shevi598 1 year ago 3
Comment removed
shevi598 1 year ago
My teacher gave me a test about this. I got most of the question's right. Oh, how I love this song.
clubpenguindan788 1 year ago
The events that occurred that Christmas, although not dissimilar to any other Christmas in regards to friendship and caring, are the stuff of legends that will be forever remembered as during the atrocities of chemical bombs and the silent killers of the cold they still celebrated as one people.
kargin84 1 year ago
:)
rangergxi 1 year ago
i love war songs!
MrDrillman148 1 year ago
Always a reminder to us of the horrors of war, and our duty to try to end it.
NancyHey 1 year ago
Sharing on Facebook
NancyHey 1 year ago
Thank you for taking the time to put this together.
coffeylass 1 year ago
"And in two tongues one song filled up that sky."
The power of Christ
the work of music.
Rejected97 1 year ago
that really touched my haert
Lagace02 1 year ago 2
There is a British website about the truce. It has actual letters of soldiiers describing the truce see christmastruce dot co dot uk Some of the letters, including the description of the soccer game, are included in a new book, Oh Holy Night:: The Peace of 1914. See amazon
sdcoyote70 1 year ago
@geekerdoerick Yes your so right, "The seed within the seed" Christ consciousness, there are so many different words for the same energy that lies with in all human beings, "love the whole world like a mother loves her only child"
So hard to do unless we let go of ego, and open our hearts.
chakrachaser 1 year ago 3
Wonderful, powerful song written and sung by John McCutcheon. Thanks for putting the video to it.
WildeNotesMusic 1 year ago
:S i might start crying....
001Stacey 2 years ago 4
Beautiful
gmjjack 2 years ago 2
true story
DeathOfIdiots 2 years ago
WWI was mainly a European war fought by european people with the same Christian cultural roots, with the custom of Christmas.
Tell a fanatic muslim about Christmas, he will laugh at you and send you a bomb as a gift in the name of Santa and universal peace.
Attilahollo9 2 years ago
WW1 was fought by a number of countries, not just Christian Europeans (to say nothing of European Jews and Muslims).
1. The Middle Eastern Campaign, Britain Alone send 2.1 million men to the theatre. Not to mention the French sent around 4 divisions, the Italians were in N.Africa with at least 60,000 men and the Ottomans had almost a million men under arms. Also the Germans sent a number of divisions to bolster the Ottoman Turks. Also E. Africa.
Also the millions of colonial troops
fp470 2 years ago
@fp470 " The thought manifest as the word, the word manifest as the deed, the deed develops into habit, and habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and it's ways with care, and let it spring from love out of concern for all beings. "
chakrachaser 1 year ago
I note a natural law slant in that. I like this!
fp470 1 year ago
The Chuck Norris types never win in the end - those who lay down their arms and live in peace are the winners.
wiselionman 2 years ago 52
But then they can't stop Chuck Norris when he come to kick some ass. D:
KaoshimaCheshire 2 years ago
From a fellow vet - God Bless all our lads and lasses in uniform around the world. Your service and sacrifice is appreciated more than you will ever know, by more people than you believe.
macrosent 2 years ago 3
bless them all, brave brave real men of men.
Because of these people I will never have to do this myself. Merry Christmas
MrSweatyPants 2 years ago 4
Beautiful.
CromDubMonday 2 years ago
Merry Christmas
mrjonny57 2 years ago
karlschlaussen
My Grandfather was there that night. Every Christmas he left our house at midnight and we could hear him singing in the cold remembering his war.
Christmas 1968 I sang that song in Vietnam and felt the pain of grangfather.
Please honor all those who serve.
karlschlaussen 2 years ago 70
@karlschlaussen Wow, are you serious. That's amazing. Did anyone sing with you in Vietnam? So you grandfather was actually there at the christmas truce? I thank you and your grandfather for serving. You both are very brave, courageous, thank you for risking your life for the people of the United States of America.
thedittman 1 year ago
@karlschlaussen
Christmas In The Trenches first came out in 1984 on McCutcheon's winter album "Winter Solstice" I was in Vietnam in 68 and I guarantee you it wasn't around then and nether were you!.
starkspigs 1 year ago
@karlschlaussen wow...... no words can describe the awesomeness
bagpipelover7 1 year ago
I first heard John sing this song many years ago - the first time I ever heard him - and he made me an instant fan. Congratulations to Mr. Cutler and his sixth grade class - with luck we'll be at peace by the time they come of age...
498332 2 years ago 4
I do see your point. There is still evil out there. I just wish we would go where it counts instead of sitting around the middle east. Sudan needs the help. I also think we should worry about the homeland with the economic jam we are in right now.
eh, I need to stop thinking about this during the holidays.
Merry Christmas all
mynamehappy 2 years ago
This is a great video, it reminds us to the cruelty and the senselessness of war.
NancyHey 2 years ago 2
aint it a shame ..why cant all these mostly petty political problems be sorted with a game of footy!! merry christmas !
dngcat 2 years ago 3
This. Why can't conflicts be resolved by a Call of Duty tourney or something? lol. A LAN Party setup is a lot less expensive than a war. XD
KaoshimaCheshire 2 years ago
because chuck norris will always win
jeff135rulz 2 years ago
And Chuck Norris is American, so that means America will always win! Even better!
KaoshimaCheshire 2 years ago
mmm because earth is not ruled by nerds
fedemonsalve 2 years ago
It needs to be, things would make a lot more sense if they did. And we'd probably have colonies on Mars by now. :(
KaoshimaCheshire 2 years ago
Would that it could Happen again this year for the men and women of are Armed Forces who are in Harms Way. God Bless & Keep You
Merry Christmas
NSennott 2 years ago
let by gone be by gones and lets fix the present for the future. and just for the record, i will say that every mission i have been in , with the u.s military for some reason there was always 1 or more units of the following british, italian, australian, spanish, german, french etc...... fighting side by side with us. we have not fought alone against any country.
ricosniper 2 years ago
That's the right spirit, thanks. Let's support our troops ! (By the way, it's freezing in A'stan now!)
Fridomfry 2 years ago
Hey, just curious, but uh, why are we all FIGHTING on the comments section of a video about peace? Maybe, if we'd stop playing the blame game, and put aside our differences of the past, we could actually get along. Stop bringing up the terrible histories of countries like it matters anymore.
ColinG 2 years ago 3
amen to that
Merry Christmas Colin G
Azsli 2 years ago 2
Right back at you, hombre.
ColinG 2 years ago 2
the smartest remark i have read. i have been there done that with another soldier during combat on a holiday, if we would have gotten caught we would have been tried for treason. he whom we thought was the enemy was actually trying to protect himself and family from our massive attack.
ricosniper 2 years ago
This.. being a veteran of Vietnam I know firsthand that war is an ugly thing, and this song really makes me feel warm inside.
try to get along guys and honor these people who were brave enough to stand up and say NO to the horrors of fighting.
mynamehappy 2 years ago 5
Great song...... if you like this then Search " badcrooner " on youtube to listen to Pete Russell's moving new Christmas song " At this time of year " written for the lost and the lonely
badcrooner 2 years ago
it was great my family was i ww1 it was a graet vid make another one and u will be showing of
lonewolves232 2 years ago
Perhaps if the West was not so greedy and selfish, but helped and shared with the more needy and poor in the world, then , just then, perhaps we could learn NOT to fight and kill. After all, the 'soldiers' on either side are somebody's husband, son, father, brother and they are only following orders. I'm not sure any of them actually want to kill. Whatever you believe in, I wish you all well.
Emerence46 2 years ago
The US gives more to international charity per capita than any other nation on the planet.
It's a fact. Look it up.
novone 2 years ago
novone, its a fact in the u.s, but you have not mentioned how much has the u.s benefitted from some of these international countries, been there done that. watch closely our relation with colombia. U.S is not the worst place , but with all the noise we make we could be better. oh, and novone many of these facts i dont need, i have been in many of countries, 27 to be exact. got a first hand look and expirience. in many countries , many americans give very little value to other americans. chk it.
ricosniper 2 years ago
I just wish everyone in the world could hear and really LISTEN to the words of this song. Why do we have to go on killing each other over power, superiority etc.
I respect anyone of any race - any religion - any sexuality, etc etc. If we are human beings then let us be HUMAN.
Emerence46 2 years ago
SOme people are evil. Perhpas if you stop excoriating the westfor just one second, you would see that the USis not the worst place on the planet, quite the contrary.
novone 2 years ago
Well there you have it WAR IS BAD. people we should celebrate what we have not fight for more.
if you liked this song and the concept of The Christmas Truce then watch the movie Merry Christmas AKA "Joyeux Noel". It made me cry.
jhonclease 2 years ago
Painfully Naive.
novone 2 years ago
"Once youth refuses to slaughter and be slaughtered,
hostile powers must surrender to
reason and abandon this mad destruction."
-Wulf Zendik
neolib42 2 years ago 4
Coronels, Generals well paid, would never ever say "No" to anything, ´cause their families at home eat very well and have a warm hous. They voluntary enroll themselves to the army.. If your (all) country lives from it (war), and you enroll yourself, you are likely to be sent to war.
Illbrucka 2 years ago
The first part of the Vid is 5*, The second one, is more like publicty for the soildiers and their flags, (like a poem) .With this "New order" or desorder, War becomes more and more a lack of Morality Intenational act. War is a huge profitable industry and how would USA, G.B and other fellows without this exist?
Illbrucka 2 years ago
You just can't help yourself, can you? You have to lecture everyone about how stupid they are for feeling that this story speaks to something other than your crusade. Yes, you simpleton, WAR BAD. This is how we beging to beat it and we don't need the sophomore lecture in morality and ethics from you.
novone 2 years ago
novone. Living upon the pain of others, (you war makers= zionist supporters) how ethical that is . But let your govs answer to that, it would be unfair asking you to think.
Secondly, what does it have to do with crussades and all that irracional funny posting? you sound like a commedy with a hint of dramma and fantasy as well.
And yes, I can talk about ethics and morality I just did twice.
Illbrucka 2 years ago
I don't know if this is a language barrier, but NOTHING you have written makes sense.
Also, don't try to mock in a language you are trasnlating. - it makes you sound stupid.
novone 2 years ago
novone, It would have been better if you had said I just can`t go on.
I see why your goverment does everything for you nobrained ppl.
Illbrucka 2 years ago
You are making no sense. You are insulting for no reason and you sound retarded. I am a US citizen. My government does nothing for anyone.
Again, you sound like you are drunk or retarded. Where are you from?
novone 2 years ago
novo..I`ll simply it for you.
YOU ARE A HIPOCRIT MURDER.-
Take your time to process the Info.
Illbrucka 2 years ago
Are you writing these responses drunk or stoned? You mispell most of your words and makesuch outrageous statements that I can only assume ou to be a child or an idiot. I don't discuss politics with children or idiots so I will leave you now. Before I go, you maywant to invest some time onproofreading your posts. If youhada point it was lost in poor grammer and preschool spelling.
I am done here.
novone 2 years ago
sort of harsh. Name calling? Not necessary
eve4steve 2 years ago
Illbrucka is a NAZI. I would do more than call this ass names if I could. This crap is the reason there is war. There is no superior race and I will call names and, if given the opportunity, kick the crap out of anyone who says there is. The US is not perfect. I don't claim it is. But there is no nation on earth that can claim purity. However, ANY nation or people that believe that any other race of people shold be eliminatied needs to to be brought to task and slapped down.
novone 2 years ago
LIke the British for their "Empire" and their colonization of people and lands they had no business interfering with ... Australia, New Zealand, Turtle Island (aka North America), India, China, Africa, etc. Also, for Christianity, and the Vatican, for their pompous, self-rightious attitude, and their Doctrine of Destiny - which gave them the misguided belief that they could take any land if the ppl were not Christian, because then, they were not human.
merryprankster60 2 years ago
THousands of years of Chinese and Asian agression, of inter warring Grecian city-states, of near-east genocide and you focus on the last 300 years like its the worst time in human history. Do you really believe that Islam or Budism or confucianism or any "ism" has peacfully worked its way across entire continents. You need a broader scope to see that Christians and western culture do not hold the copyright on Empire and Genocide in the name of religion.
novone 2 years ago
it's truly touching, even at their worst times people can forget the war, even for a short while and come together and have a laugh, it just shows that war isn't everyones choice
ianpit1 2 years ago 2
Well said.
novone 2 years ago
Its amasing that a magical time like Christmas can turn bitter rivles in to best buddies for a night
jeff135rulz 2 years ago
fuck
lastraid 2 years ago
This Christmas truce was somehow the last expression of Christian feelings in a world submerged by nationalism and materialism since the French revolution. It is moving to think of it, but don't get fooled: Most units on the front did NOT observe a truce. They had already seen too many atrocities in 4 months of combats to consider "the Hun" a "brother" and to play football with him.
Fridomfry 2 years ago
you piece of shit
B3ND0G 2 years ago
when the power of love over powers the love of power then war will be gone
neathrow777 2 years ago 4
prayer for peace and to end war but until the Lord seperates the ram from the sheep in the end of time there will always be war.
We are all human and that fact means that we alone can never bring peace to the world.
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum."
That is latin for if you want peace prepare for war.
Humans will start trouble with one another and those that do not fight back get trampled and killed.
Azsli 3 years ago
i used to as well, it's a united irishmen song after all.
but then there's something poetic about the british army singing a song written by an irishman for three of his friends who fought against the british. at the end of the day the fallen are fallen, no matter where they come from or what side they were on
cameramanAL 3 years ago
things like this 1 make us humans.althou i hate wars ....im sad to say they are a must in some places of world atm :(.
tiberiu112 3 years ago 2
I guess even if you defend yourself, your still part of the war marchine. Think of the police who have to go in harms way to do a good job.
ledlightled 3 years ago
To hell with war; after all, that's where it originates. And to hell with the governments of this world, for the same reason. Christ's blessings of Peace and Liberty to all men in all lands. AMEN.
KaptKan1 3 years ago
bitter sweet...
moonglow38 3 years ago
Never, never tell me that there is no hope.
aikido7 3 years ago 4
Brilliant... nicely done!
mstax 3 years ago
I am thankful that my son is home this Christmas. Last year he was in Iraq. 2nd tour, US Marines. God this song will always be in my heart....for the ones who are still fighting and are away from home this and every Christmas.
Sylphqueen1968 3 years ago 6
GREAT job!!! Hopefully these children can effect the changes that haven't been attainable thusfar so this, and similar, songs will be unecessary and irrelevant!
jbigblue 3 years ago 2
sends a shiver down your spine, doesn't it?
revolt1915 3 years ago 6
I wonder how the British and the Germans communicated with each other
wank0r 3 years ago
In this time Many Germans can spoke English, because the Emporer of Germany had the near to England Publicize. So many Germans learn English or work in the UK in this time. Sorry my english is not so perfect, hope you understand :)
Manajah85 2 years ago
No.
Fridomfry 2 years ago
What a great song about exactly what war is and who it's really for. Love it!!! War is a worthless exercise in egos, power mongering, hate in absence of a reason and the fact that the grass is always greener on the other side till we're there ourselves!!!
7zipzapper 3 years ago 4
it is a very good song it brings a tear to my eye everytime
spergeon123 3 years ago 4
hey !!! i awaited my beloved Liverpudian accent ... :(((
labanlieusarde09 3 years ago
The war to end all wars did nothing of the sort. If anything, it has gotten worse since then.
We'll never learn. :(
forgetititititit 3 years ago 3
my fav story about this...many years ago John Mc. was playing at a festival in Belgium...the first 2 days he would play this tune and a group of elderly men would get up and leave immediately after John finished the song...on the 3rd day John played the song again and when those same old men got up to leave he spoke to them from on stage and asked them why, each day, they left after hearing this tune
one of them turned + told John that they were their that day, for Christmas in the Trenches
nobanjono 3 years ago 16
this song makes me cry. we listened to it today since it it our rememberence day ceremony. I wish the world would always be like this, no matter what your culture or who you are.
rawrxletsxdance 3 years ago 6
For Both Queen and Country (UK) & The Fatherland, Brave troops sent to fight each over due to stupid politions.
Sadly this will Never happen again, as the year after they where ordered to keep firing the guns. Salute Brothers In Arms.
cray1996 3 years ago 3
Just thought I would share my video with you .. Pics are from google images and audio is from an mp3 I've had here for awhile. The singer is Mike Harding. Your vid is very nice. Thanks! -- What if they gave a war and no one came? ;)
u3of52 3 years ago 3
staka känslor!
kmiahan 3 years ago
Well done! Nice video! Rest easy my fallen brother soldiers.
macrosent 3 years ago
this song always makes me wanna cry
thgreatandini 3 years ago 3
There is a full-length movie about this, historically researched including what the soldiers in the trenches did after that one Christmas, called "Joyeux Noel." from 2005.
playerpage 3 years ago
my grandfather was in this and back in my 20's befor he died he told me about what it was like and how he smoked german cigs and tryed to understand this germans story about his family and then told the german about his family and when i saw this video i could not stop cry easy 10/5 stars
poporb 4 years ago 3
wow that was amzing
poporb 4 years ago
Great job and a fantastic idea for that age group. I love this song!
maggiedale11 4 years ago
wow so moving and well done!!
lotuselanplus2 4 years ago 2
im learnin bout this in history class
JustGreenApples 4 years ago
this song is to MOVING!!!*sob*
youvanni 4 years ago
And yet the majority of them refused to shoot. Even when they were moved more than 10 miles down the line.
Despite threat of punisment and court-martial, they stuck to their guns.
None were ever punished, they were simply given other duties.
Funny what happens when you humanize an enemy.
Blacksmith1964 4 years ago 8
Beautiful tribute. Goddess bless.
TheDoctor18 4 years ago
Thanks. A beautiful job. This one leaves me sobbing every year. We apparently have so much more to learn.
maw1111 4 years ago 4
A++++++++
thnks too casue im doing aproject on this as well, so thnks a bunch
converse05 4 years ago
This is a wonderful tribute.
joemarra052075 4 years ago
Well done!
beachpunk1 4 years ago