Through the TR Technical discussions, although not too technical lately, we have often discussed the actions of war in Iraq, Afghanistan and even WWII, the Civil war, Pearl Harbour, Vietnam, Korea as well as others.
We have VERY mixed opinions as to who is justified, who is right and who is wrong. What has/will happen, WHY there are wars, weapons of war, who joined forces, who didn’t, repressed citizens, those who feel free as a result of war etc.
We rarely see eye to eye on all matters if any, but one thing I don’t think anyone will argue is that these men and women who have placed their lives on the line for nearly 100 years now, without regard for themselves but with full support for the country that they are defending.
These people don’t question the motives of their government, they don’t complain of low salaries, they don’t complain about not having stat holidays, they don’t sleep in on rainy days before finally dragging themselves off to work. They stand proud, they stand together and they fight for a common cause.
I can’t even begin to start expressing my gratitude to those who have created a comfortable, safe and peaceful existence for my family and friends, but I will be proudly standing poppy-clad at the rememberance memorial tomorrow morning as we all remember those who fought for our freedom.
I still attend the Remeberance Day ceremony every year, rain or shine, as I did when I was a Scout Leader. It gives ME a certain pride to know that at least I didn’t forget, I showed up, I stood proud and remembered the brave souls who gave their lives to make mine what it is today.
Just typing this gives me chills as I remember, in twelve years of scouting, I attended MANY Memorial Day ceremonies. I recall one year in paticular when I was shivering in my Cub shorts while trying to hold the Canadian Flag as straight and tall as the veterans from the Royal Canadian Legion were. These men were HUGE in my 10 year old eyes, one large-middled veteran looked as if was about to topple over backwwards as he stood at attention with his head held so high with pride. I was standing beside him so I tried to do the same as I stood proudly in my uniform, he looked down at me and smiled from ear to ear. Nothing has ever made me understand what these men and women did than at that particular moment, when this large man smiled at me as if to say, “it was worth it, to see the happiness and pride you have today my son.”
He was my father and I thank him and all those who fought so bravely so that I can enjoy the happiness of my family and friends each day.
Let us all remember and never forget, although we have differences, we have some very powerful similarities when we stand beside one another.
Many suffered and lost for us to enjoy our daily freedoms and I, for one, want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
God bless those who gave their freedom to protect mine.
OM