Remembering war and peace

I listened to an interesting interview today about a a piece of music called the War Requiem written by Benjamin Britten. In the interview, one of the men spoke about the incredible cost of war - financially, politically, emotionally and spiritually. He said that the tragedy that most moved Britten was not just the loss of life but the loss of soul. He noted particularly the pain felt by those who were Christians and who had to kill other people.
This is a complication and a pain that I have thought about a lot. My father was a soldier in the 2nd World War who, because of his faith and world view, chose to enlist and also chose a role in the army where he did not have to carry a weapon. He was willing to die to help liberate Europe but he was not willing to kill someone who might not know Jesus.
His faith and those views have been much on my mind on this Remembrance Day. War is a form of hell and asked things of many that should not have been asked for a cause that needed to won.
I am acutely aware that such things have never been asked of me and for this I am thankful. And I am conscious of how deep the painful memories are for many on days such as this and I am prayerful.