Worlds Oldest Rebel

On Wednesday of this week one of the greatest examples of humanity passed away at the age of 95. Harry Leslie Smith took his final breath and passed into the great beyond. He passed away as the self proclaimed “Worlds oldest rebel”. Announced via his father’s favourite social media source Twitter, his son John simply declared: "At 3.39 this morning, my dad Harry Leslie Smith died. I am an orphan."


For anyone who isn’t familiar with the name I urge you to do an internet search into what this giant among men represented. 


Having grown up in Yorkshire during the Great Depression, and knowing nothing but hunger and poverty in his formative years Harry joined the RAF in 1941 and served in the Second World War. Following this he emigrated to Canada in 1953, but this is where he became a light in a world of darkness and ignorance. Since then and right up to the weeks prior to his death he actively campaigned for the rights of others. In particular he campaigned for the rights of refugees. Those who flee from war torn countries for the dream of a life in peace and a chance to flourish. To be all they can be. He also fought tirelessly for the safety and continuation of the National Health Service. For those reading this outside of the U.K, the NHS is a health service available to every man, woman and child throughout the United Kingdom. Sadly the future of which is not guaranteed - a sad thought, and even sadder fact. 


Even at the age of 95 he carried a passion for the ability to represent anyone with a voice who could not be heard. Urging the world “Do not let my past be your future”.


Irrespective of your political, social or religious standing we can all learn so very much from the experiences Harry had over his nine and a half decades. Times of overcoming hardship, surviving, finding love against all odds, and having the courage to stand up for those who need our protection. For our health service that needs protection. 


Perhaps the most important messages we can take from his legacy are humility and kindness. Two basic characteristics that if we all adopt will make the world a much better place. 


Make them part of your daily life, understand that everyone has a right to be here, and maybe if we all campaign (even just a little bit) we can all make a difference. Who knows, maybe when you are 95 or even 96 there will be another Happy Damn Friday post about the wonderful impression you have left on the world with every footstep you took along the way. When you become the next ‘Worlds oldest rebel’.


#istandwithharry


Happy Damn Friday Peeps! x


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