Strange, is it not , that some bonds of friendship are not broken by death? This moving tale also shows the difference between the people who fought and the "leaders" on whose behalf they fought.
S'land, your post reminds me too of the respect the lads at the front line (and the lasses these days) so often hold for the opposing side, no better put than by Ataturk. The comradeship that is shown at times on the front line (sharing a fag in no mans land) and at the post conflict gatherings.
"Those heroes that shed their blood
and lost their lives;
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies
and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side
here in this country of ours.
You, the mothers,
who sent their sons from far away countries,
wipe away your tears;
your sons are now lying in our bosom
and are in peace.
After having lost their lives on this land they have
become our sons as well."