Almost one year ago I have written a similar blog post (you may read it here).
Jo Woolf posted a few weeks ago an amazing post about Culloden: field of sorrow. I encourage you to read her post. Not only that she has lots of interesting historical facts, but she also has amazing photos. Click here.
In 2014 I visited Northern Romania. I have seen many beautiful cities, stunning sceneries and lots of beauties but there were two moments when I was left without words.
First one was during a walk through a forest. We were in a fir and spruce forest, somewhere at round 1200 meters altitude. Our friend and guide started to show us military trenches and started to talk about First World War. Suddenly I became sad and I realized I was standing in a place where many men of my age died… Why? What for? I won’t talk about that, it’s not my business, I am totally against wars and I believe each war is a huge mistake.
Young men, full of life, with great dreams, with great desires. All of them remained unspoken, buried under fir and spruce trees, far away. No one remember these men, no one cry for them anymore. Their relatives are dead, their friends are old. Another world, another options, there is no place for unspoken dreams.
The second moment took place in the yard of an Orthodox Monastery. After the Sunday service I was enjoying the sun. The light was amazing gentle, birds were singing and I had a short walk. Not far from church I discovered three crosses. It isn’t something unusual to notice tombs next to churches, but these three tombs had some very simple wooden crosses and on each cross was an iron helmet.
The monks wanted to honor the memory of all soldiers who have died in that area, so they made three tombs, planted some simple but beautiful flowers and from time to time they held some special services for all who died.
Unspoken dreams,
buried under the fir and spruce trees,
nothing is what it seems.
Thank you for stopping by.
Cornell's photos and words 
Still the young men die. And now the young women, also. We never seem to learn.
Unfortunately, you’re right…
A moving post. Thank you.
Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you, Cornell – such a thoughtful post and I can share your feelings on standing there. I am glad that you found those simple graves marked by the monks, a small sign that fallen soldiers are not forgotten. I don’t believe anyone ever is. And maybe one day the whole world will focus on peace. If we keep posting lovely posts like these we’re working towards it! 🙂
I must thank you because your post inspired me to write this one.
You are right, we are working towards peace.
Oh, there are so many beautiful things to be seen ! It’s incredible!
Din pacate, memoria eroilor de razboi nu exista pentru generatiile mai tinere. Scoala, familia, societatea le-a cultivat ignoranta. Chiar si fara razboi, ura n-a disparut, e pretutindeni.
Pe de altă parte, astăzi avem atât de multe atractii si distractii încât, dacă nu esti atent, te-ai pierdut printre ele.
Iar despre ură… of, ce situație tristă în care ne aflăm: suntem înconjurați de atâta frumusețe și noi ne irosim puterile cu niște nimicuri.
Are Magda Isanos o poezie frumoasă, o să scriu aici doar ultimele doua strofe.â
„Și-mi pare-așa ciudat că se mai poate
găsi atâta vreme pentru ură,
când viața e de-abia o picătură
între minutu-acesta care bate
și celălalt – și-mi pare nențeles
și trist că nu privim la cer mai des,
că nu culegem flori și nu zâmbim,
noi, care-așa de repede murim.”
Foarte adevarat si din nefericire, mereu actual.
That was a very moving post, so many dreams have been lost through the years in needless wars. Your photos went with the words so very well also.
“Needless wars” You are so right.
A stirring post, Cornell. I enjoyed your photos capturing the memories.
I am very glad you like my photos. 🙂 Thank you.
It is a beautiful, touching post, Cornel. The beauty of the forest and mountains can seem to mask the tragedy and suffering, but it is always present for those who look. I am glad that the monks created a memorial. None of it should be forgotten. I will visit some of the forests in Poland in a couple of months, where so many died. It will be a similar sadness. I cannot bear to visit Auschwitz or other camps. Have you ever listened to Gorecki’s Symphony #3. Your post reminded me of it.
It will be a very interesting journey for you. I am sure you will see so many beautiful things.
I have never heard about Gorecki until now. But I will search more about him and this Symphony.
That was an exceptionally moving post, such a large number of dreams have been lost during that time in unnecessary wars. Your photographs ran with the words so extremely well moreover…
Thank you.