Eileen Berry (November 9) refers to one of the more cheerful aspects of human behaviour describing some Nepalese celebrating their own culture whilst showing respect for this country. 

Danny Habel refers to a person or persons commemorating Licoricia, the Jewish lady, but goes on to say that "there is too much noise created by bullies in this world".

Whatever your faith, or if you claim to have no faith, you are unlikely to disagree with the warning by Jesus that "you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars". 

He goes on to say that "nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom". "Nation" in this context means "people group". What we have seen in this country recently is "people group against people group".

There is a much-quoted statement by Martin Niemoller who was imprisoned by the Nazis for several years. (It comes in more than one version but the principle is the same). He starts off by saying that "when Hitler attacked the Jews I wasn't a Jew, therefore, I was not concerned...." Niemoller goes on to list many groups attacked by Hitler but always concludes, "but I was not concerned". He continues, "Then, Hitler attacked me.....and there was nobody left to be concerned".

When I was a young lad living in war-torn Portsmouth, with the bomb damage all about us, and being aware of what Hitler did, we used to wonder, "Could it ever happen here?" The answer is that unless we act now something similar could develop. 

We have seen the Jews intimidated and attacked in this country. 

We have also seen our war memorials and Cenotaphs desecrated. A poppy seller was knocked to the ground in Edinburgh and three poppy sellers were intimidated in London. Unless we speak out matters will not stop there.

P.V. Ward,
Nelson Road,

Highcliffe,
Winchester

Send letters by email to newsdesk@hampshirechronicle.co.uk or by post to Editor, Hampshire Chronicle, 5 Upper Brook Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8AL.

All letters and e-mails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request.

Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.