Over the years, I’ve met and photographed many refugees. I’ve been privileged to listen to their stories. Each one has left their mark on my heart.

I often wonder what has happened to the people I photographed. I long to hear the rest of their story. Like this grandmother who fled to Uganda with her grandchildren when their parents were killed in South Sudan’s civil war. Is she still there? Has she returned home? What has happened to the children in the seven years since I met them? Can I find them again among the more than 1.7 million people who have taken refuge in Uganda?

Today, we honour those who have fought for peace and freedom. We stop and reflect on the 106 years that have passed since the guns fell silent at the end of the war that was to end all wars.

And we remember that the guns didn’t stay silent.

The sounds of war continue to ring out around the world. Lives continue to be devastated. There are more refugees in 2024 than there have ever been before.

In just a few weeks, we’ll sing about “Peace on Earth!” and yet for many, there is no peace.

This November 11, as we pause to remember, let us pray for those still being touched by conflict, and for the 123 million people who have fled their homes. And let us pray for the day that the guns fall silent forever.