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All good reasons for the outbreak of WW1 to which can be added Germany's unfinished business from the the 1890 Franco - Prussian conflict (also a factor in WW2 as much as the terms imposed at Versailles), Britain's outstanding issues with Turkey and fears for her empire and various territorial disputes left over from everyone's empire building days. It is popular to think that most of the combatants blundered into the war but the fact is that most were eager for it and ready to use any excuse to try and grab as much land as they could. We should also remember that 'empire building' was looked upon far more favourably then and people could be worked into a patriotic fervour over the idea of expanding empire just as much as defending the homeland.
That said, for the average soldier it was a career option, in times where there were few other options, or they were conscripted. The initial burst of volunteers in WW1 soon dried up when the realities of war became known and in WW2 the government took no chances and introduced it straight away. Despite this the vast majority fought well and bravely, fully deserving all the praise and honours bestowed upon them by a grateful nation. While the effects of a loss in WW1 could be as confusing as its beginnings there can be no doubt that in WW2 our freedom and very existence as a nation was under threat and we owe all those who fell an enormous debt of gratitude.
Less remembered, at least officially, is the role of the civilians and the losses they suffered during the global conflicts. While the whole country pays some respect to the huge air-raids on Liverpool, Coventry, Southampton etc and the few months of the famous blitz, less attention is paid to those South coast towns, Dover foremost among them, that endured the first bombs of WW1, lived with the constant sounds of the war, the almost daily bombing and shelling of WW2 and attacks by fighter aircraft, while staying 'open for business' taking care of those returning from conflict, looking after those on active service defending the channel and those washed up on the shores escaping occupation. Even among the 'civilian' population many were directly involved in war work, ARP Wardens, spotters, Home Guard, ambulance crews and medical staff among them. Without these people and others the rescues from the Dunkirk beaches would not have been possible.
When we are remembering the soldiers who fell we should be sure to remember all those civilians whose lives were lost to the same cause.