Sometimes words aren’t enough… but Shawn does such a wonderful job of conveying the message that many feel.  So, instead of taking my normal route for November 11th, I leave you with a simple video and a set of lyrics to accompany it.  The video says more than I ever could anyway.

It only takes two minutes to think about the sacrifice others have given, and are giving right now, for you to be here.   Tomorrow at 11 AM, give that time.

Some people say, I’m a fighter
Some people hate what I do
I stand for my country
I stand for you

I got a family that loves me
They respect what I do
Try telling your child you’re leaving
Believe me it’s a hard thing to do

So, If I die don’t judge me
Cause, I will not judge you
And If I die, please accept it
Cause, I would die for you

We have our reasons
Rules, morals and beliefs
I won’t slander your opinion
I’m just searching for peace

So, If I die don’t judge me
Cause, I will not judge you
And If I die, please accept it
Cause, I would die for you

So, I was going to do my annual post last night, but could not seem to concentrate enough to get it done.
Here it is.
Remembrance Day.  What does it mean?  In simple terms, it’s the chance to say thank you to all those who have helped to make this Country, and even the entire World, a little safer.  Many thousands of Canadians have given their lives, just to make sure that we have the right to spend one minute out of our entire year just to say “thank you for your sacrifice”.  One little minute doesn’t seem like much, when you compare it to the number of people you are honouring with it, does it?  I didn’t think so… unfortunately, a customer I had today didn’t think the same thing.
As the planes flew over head, circling from one Royal Canadian Legion to the next, trying to be near them all when that moment came, I was with a customer at work.  Yes, our store does not close for Remembrance Day, even if some of us truly wanted to attend the ceremony at our local Legion.  Anyway, 11 AM came around, the radio fell silent, and I shut off my forklift and sat in silence.  Less than half a minute later, the customer is asking me why I have stopped.  I pointed out that it is 11 o’clock on Remembrance Day, and I am giving my moment of silence.  This customer actually scoffed at me.  Mind you, he did let me finish the moment… (more…)

I remember watching this in school…

For our King and our country and the promise of glory
We came from Kingston and Brighton to fight on the front line
Just lads from the farms and boys from the cities
Not meant to be soldiers we lay in the trenches

We’d face the fighting with a smile – or so we said
If only we had known what danger lay ahead

The sky turned to grey as we went into battle
On the fields of Europe young men were falling
I’ll be back for you someday – it won’t be long
If I can just hold on ’til this bloody war is over

The guns will be silent
On Remembrance Day
There’ll be no more fighting
On Remembrance Day

By October* of ’18 Cambrai had fallen
Soon the war would be over and we’d be returnin’
Don’t forget me while I’m gone far away
Well it won’t be long ’til I’m back there in your arms again

The guns will be silent
On Remembrance Day
There’ll be no more fighting
On Remembrance Day

One day soon – I don’t know when
You know we’ll all be free and the bells of peace will ring again
The time will come for you and me
We’ll be goin’ home when this bloody war is ended

The guns will be silent
On Remembrance Day
We’ll all say a prayer
On Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day – say a little prayer
On Remembrance Day

Well the guns will be silent
There’ll be no more fighting
Oh we’ll lay down our weapons
On Remembrance Day

Tomorrow is Rememberance Day. A few years back, when I was still in High School, one of my brilliant teachers asked the class a question… what does Rememberance Day mean to them. Many in the class, I am sure, viewed it as nothing more than a holiday… a 3 day weekend, a chance to party it up, or a day to not worry about homework. (more…)

November 11th marks a special day. A day of honour and sacrifice made by those who came before us, and many of whom left us long before they were meant to.

Known as “Remembrance Day” in Canada, and “Veterans Day” in the United States, the meaning is the same. To remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to assure our freedoms and, in essence, our very way of life that many now take for granted.

Do I support the war? (more…)