I just finished watching Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas), a french movie based on a true story of soldier fraternization that took place in World War I trenches during Christmas. Basically, Scottish, French, and German troops end up drinking together in no-man’s-land. (Once again, my wife surprised me with a great Netflix pick.)
What’s so cool about the story is the documented truth behind it. Apparently, a ton of such cases occurred throughout the war, and a large number began with soldiers in one trench singing Christmas carols, then soldiers from an opposing trench 200 yards away applauding and/or joining in. In other words, music bridged the gap between warring enemies.
If you ever see it (which I recommend), be sure to watch the interview with the writer afterwards. Cool stuff.
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