The weekend at the end of civilization

LAC, PA-117658 (post 1920)

Ninety-nine years ago, this was the weekend the world came to an end. Most everyone had a good time on the August long weekend of 1914 -- what they called Bank Holiday then. Then on the Tuesday, Britain declared war on Germany and the European conflict became a world war.

“This war is the suicide of civilization,” Prime Minister Robert Borden wrote privately, even as he gave up his Muskoka holiday to prepare Canada's participation in it. The remark rather does him credit, I think.

So enjoy the weekend, even if it rains or you are stuck at home. There have been worse ones!