We shall not forget

We shall not forget the sacrifice of millions;
We shall not forget the bloodshed and the tears;
We shall not forget the loss of generations;
We shall not forget despite the passing of years.
Yet we shall walk on with courage
To a day when warfare will cease.
There will be a way all can flourish
When the bells ring out, ring out for peace.

We shall not forget the walls we build to separate;
We shall not forget the steps that lead to war;
We shall not forget the woundedness of all of us;
We shall not forget what only love can restore.
So we will work with humility
For a day when hatred will cease.
There will be an end to hostility
When the bells ring out, ring out for peace.

We shall not forget God’s mercy through the centuries;
We shall not forget the signs of hope in bloom;
We shall not forget Christ’s victory through suffering;
We shall not forget the life that burst from the tomb.
So we shall sing of salvation,
And the harmony will increase.
Healing will embrace every nation,
As the bells ring out, ring out for peace.

Words: © 2018 Andrew T. Murphy and Matt Allen