On the 11th November, children from Horsham schools gathered at the War Memorial in Carfax. It was a smaller event than the official marking of Remembrance Sunday two days later - but fitting. It's for the children of each generation that we strive for peace.
The lessons of past wars are many. They include the principle that those in a position to have a positive impact on world affairs have a responsibility to engage for peace.
Personal relationships and international bodies, like the United Nations, are critical. Alongside these however certainty in world affairs (a lesson of 1914) is also very important. The adage that "strong walls make for good neighbours" has a lot to recommend it.
Western Europe’s peace has for decades been guaranteed by the commitment of the United States. However much American Foreign Policy may occasionally rile commentators in Europe we should not forget their costly support of our defence. America in 1945 learned the lesson of 1918-1939 when her isolationism created an apparent ambivalence that Soviet Russia and the Axis Powers were only too happy to exploit.
The week of Remembrance, America elected her new President, Donald Trump. Whatever the noise around his election he will be well aware of the enormous responsibility that will rest on his shoulders come January. Where a new face and a new outlook can help resolve difficult relationships and lay the conditions for dispute resolution this should be welcomed. I am sure that, especially as the intelligence briefings are shared, Mr Trump will also be keen to ensure that there is no lack of clarity about America’s relationships and alliances. He has been open about his frustration that many NATO allies, unlike the US and UK do not meet their NATO defence spending target. While the alliance is sacrosanct, making clear the frustration of the US electorate - who don't enjoy many of the social benefits that we in Europe view as vital - is neither surprising, nor unfair. In a time of new global threats the NATO alliance is critical and we all need to work together for the common values that we share.