On Victory In Japan Day

The words of Rudyard Kiplng ring clear and crisp as they capture perfectly the feelings of soldiers who returned from the east, met by a Europe recovering from the war that happened there, where few understood the plight of the 'Forgotten Army'.

Performed by Charles Dance OBE, Kipling's Mandalay was received in awe as they were cast like doves of peace across Horse Guards Parade and beyond.

For ever writer the dream is to pen words that read like punches, planting listeners in their seats, so moved that they cannot. Kipling's words and Dance's voice did just this.

The importance of such works go beyond inflation of a writer's ego though, and even beyond the use as commemorative pieces too.

A great issue post-war, as prevalent today as 70 years ago, is that the psychological battle that each soldier undertakes for years after conflict has ended is one all too often fought alone. In so compellingly expressing the hurt of thousands of soldiers who feel unable to speak for themselves, Kipling, today as in the many years past, encourages conversation, the sharing of experiences and memories of that harrowing time, helping them to open up about the traumas of the past.

It is the burden and the privilege of writers worldwide to translate the passions and the pains of humankind, in order that we can all come to understand share our feelings.

What better reminder is there of this responsibility than in Kipling's example?
Below I have included the reading of Mandalay by Charles Dance.

So, 70 years since the end of World War Two, and on the anniversary of Japan's surrender which meant that the thousands of troops in that region could return home, let us all be thankful for the predominant peace we inherit, and remember that we must strive for it absolutely.

I only hope that if I am lucky enough to share the burden, of a writer entasked with bringing the extremes of emotion to bear, then I may do so in more fortunate circumstances than Kipling had to.