( This is something i wrote a couple years back....i have added a bit...and altered my note some...but the message still...remains the same.)
Now...i don`t want to get too harsh here, but this day is something that has been deep rooted in me since i was a child. Even before i really understood why it was "Remembrance Day"....i knew...it was something i should take seriously.
My dads mom & her husband were vets. He a navy vet....and she a worker in a plane construction plant. In years after the war, they both were very instrumental in building a Royal Canadian Legion in Thunder Bay Ontario...which today, stands as a testement as to the hard working, and strong supporters of vets and the Legion.
I know my Gramma was a hard working woman, single mom...who struggled to make things work. My dad has alot of that determination in him...influenced by her...and others.
They are both gone now....to rest. there is not a day that i do not think of them...and my other Grandparents. My moms parents did not serve in the war effort, but those who did not...were not necessesarily uneffected by it.
War effects all. Back then, it was harder to get by, and things were never as easy as they are now....for us. Those who lived back then...will always see things as so much better ....in general...for us..all of us...who had the good fortune to not see world war.
We are at war today. Our soldiers are fighting wars that have no imediate conflict with Canada. As a vet (yes, technically) and a soldier, it is our job...to follow orders...and not question policies......even if we do not agree the choices that out governments have made. I do get questioned about why i do wear some military hats....well...its simple. Some men, and women...your family & friends....people you grew up with....are serving their country, AND....not asking is they could be stationed here....so they can be safe. The job of a soldier is to follow orders, with out hesitation....EVEN IF...the politicians making the ultimate choice..........are absolute idiots (some). I support the SOLDIER....not the cause.
Let yourself think of the things you have done this morning....or today. Would you have had those seemingly non important things availible to you.....if our soldiers had not fought for your futures...and those of your children. Lets see....the choice to brush your teeth...and choose your toothpaste. Having fresh food....in your house at any given time. 2846639920 channels on your tv,.....for your lesiure.....availible at any given time. Choosing to travel, drink, smoke, gamble....ect.
Imagine that young 18 year old (or younger) who may knot have fully understood why he was enlisting...but did. He fought and died.....in defence of YOU. He surely thought....this might kill me, and i may never see her again, or ....my family. Most, without much reason to doubt....gave their lives.
I go through today....thinking of what could have been....if we had come out on the losing end of ww 1 & ww 2. I think of the pride i have in my grandparents...all of them...and the sacrifices they made....and efforts to make things better for the children in their futures. I think of how they would look at us...and be amazed of how much we have...and still...wish for more. For some time , i have thought about what i have....and what i really need....and knowing how much less they had...when they were young...i seem to think....i, and alot of others...are doing mighty fine.
I think of the time i spent in the military....short as it was, a time that was not all to happy for me...but still instills pride in service. Respect for what is tradition....in remembering the past...will never go away....and should be carried on.
I take time today to think of your friends and families....with those serving today...right or not....in a dusty desert somewhere, in a cold mountainside...looking for terrorists, serving across the world.....giving their lives.....for their countries....without question, or hesitation.
I take time to think..., remember.....and be thankful.
R.I.P.
