Here’s a lovely old song from World War I that articulates timely sentiments for me:

“I didn’t raise my boy to be a soldier,
I brought him up to be my pride and joy.
Who dares to place a musket on his shoulder,
To shoot some other mother’s darling boy?

“Let nations arbitrate their future trouble,
It’s time to lay the sword and gun away.
There’d be no war today
If mothers all would say,
‘I didn’t raise my boy to be a soldier.'”

by Al Piantadosi and Alfred Bryan

You can replace the word “boy” with “child” if you have a daughter and want these lyrics to be more inclusive.

I know we’re accustomed to thinking of our enemies as not so “darling” and some of their mothers seem pleased that their children will die for their cause. But it’s still a beautiful perspective, and a timely reminder of motherly love.

Can you relate? Click here to hear this song in charming vintage audio.