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REMEMBRANCE DAY 2009
Wednesday ,November 11th is a day to remember the pride and sorrow of those men and women that gave their lives in two great wars that we the living may have peace and freedom.
It is not much to ask that we give thanks. A moment to pause sometimes seems an eternity that we set aside to reflect on the past.
Remembrance of the sorrow that excessive wars have cost us and the world of free men. Now think about it, only two minutes. But there is enough time for each of us to find a new resolve in his or her own way to say a prayer for peace. A peace justly forged by mankind and nations of good will to strive for a better world. To-day we pause to remember those who gave up their lives for us.
How quick we forget the price that thousands of our young men and women gave their lives in order that we would be able to live in peace.
Sadly, Canada is now involved in a war in Afghanistan. At the time of writing we have 133 young men and women who payed the ultimate sacrifice in a far off country. Retired General Dallaire reminds us to take into account the number of physically/emotionally stressed wounded who are brought home. He suggests that down the road we may have a two for one ratio of returning soldiers who commit suicide. Post Traumatic Stress disorders can affect soldiers for many years.
Canadian soldiers are ambushed by roadside bombs/suicide bombers who wear no uniform and want to rid the country of those who wish to bring change to their lands.
At each and every ramp ceremony the commanding officers speak of the wonderful attributes of the fallen soldier promising that he/she will never be forgotten. The families will remember but for most Canadians the names/faces/memories of the soldiers will fade along with yesterday’s headlines.
Our politicians and ultimately we Canadian citizens are responsible for the well being of our soldiers when we put them in harm's way. We have to question how many more fine young soldiers will we lose more before the 2011 dead line before leaving Afghanistan. Will the loss of life and the billions of dollars that Canadians have spent be worthwhile and make a difference?
The Russians lost thousands of soldiers in Afghanistan before bringing their boys home from a war that they couldn’t win.
The poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae ends with the words: “The torch: be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die. We shall not sleep, through poppies grow in Flanders Fields”. I am afraid that our dead veterans weep that mankind has not found the formula to bring forth peace.
The prayer of peace seems appropriate: “May we see the day that war and bloodshed cease, when a great peace will embrace the whole world.
Then nation will not threaten nation, and mankind will not know war, For all who live on earth shall realize we have not come into being to hate or destroy.”
Len Lesser