'The Children's Crusade'

There is something so haunting and beautiful about this bit of our recent history. Every time I return to the museum Flora has built, I go right to this room. It hits me so powerfully. The desperation that would have a nation send young men and boys - children to battle for their country. Boy who had never shaved and lied about their ages to go off to battle with their schoolmates, never to return. War is brutal business. No matter when, where or how, it is never more than a meat grinder for the young men of that generation. What is so painful about the 'Children's Crusade' is that Great Britain was out of young men, and was reduced to sending boys. It breaks my heart every time. War is unnecessary if you have articulate and targeted diplomacy. I hope we learn this lesson in my lifetime, but I doubt we will. Go listen to 'The Children's Crusade' by Sting and you will hear the voice of this piece.