When i was a kid, Remembrance Day used to mean 2 things....no school, and going to Remembrance Day ceremony with Gramma. Not really knowing the full extent of that day, i believed that it was a fun time to go see all the old soldiers march, and have as many sandwiches as i could stuff down my throat later on, at the legion.
As i got older, i had joined the Air Cadets, and began marching in the parade on Remembrance Day. Gramma used to tell me how she was so proud of me for doing so.
Between the time that i had finished with cadets, and my time in the army, the school system decided that school was not going to be let out for Remembrance Day. I told my dad that i was going to miss school, and go to the ceremony......and he told me if i did, i should pack a suitcase, because i was not going to be let back in the house.
His point....i should have been in school, and not taking the day off....he respected my desire to be at the Remembrance Day ceremony....just that he believed that i was gpoing more so i could get out of school.
So, i packed my bags, and put my suit on...dressed up good, and away i went.
I figured that when i caught up with my Gramma, she would understand my decision. Gramma was usually sympathetic to us kids, but not this time. She told me one of the reasons that men and women died in the war was to give us all the abilitiy to do things like....going to school.
So....i did not go home, even after i went to see my dad, and try to get back in. I did learn a valueble lesson that day.....that parents, no matter how eveil the may seem...always have our best interests in mind. Dad stood his ground that day, as he usually does....which i respect to this day...as there was another lesson in that alone.
Rememberance Day.....still important to me., and always will be.
There are people who do not believe in war, and violence....which is admirable.
So many of the people who defended our lives, and rights in the wars of the past......did not believe in war, or for that matter....violence.
And yet......
They un selfishly gave.....all
For our future....and that for generations to come.
Things in our lives may not be what we wish them to be, or how they could be. We all complain about things in our lives, and yet.....it could all be so much worse.
I value everyday i live....freely...without restrain, and confinement. With the ability it be my own person, and free travel and speak .....free.
Today, in OUR time....the world is a mess, people hating people....and for what.
Never forget what those who defend have sacrificed for us, you...and yours........all of our futures.
In Memory of Appolonia & John Pressenger
2 the dawn
