Today is, of course, Remembrance Day here in Canada. It’s Veteran’s Day in the US. I’m not entirely sure if there are other countries that share this holiday day.
I remember a lot of things about this day. It was my Great Grandma’s birthday. What a special gift for a little girl. If I remember correctly she was born in 1904, so she would have experienced both World Wars and more. She was given the gift of Armistice on her 14th birthday, only to have war break out again 21 years later.
I remember freezing while I stood outside on street corners of my home town in my Navy League Wrenettes uniform (yes I wore a skirt) selling Poppies.
I remember participating in the Ceremony at the Cenotaph to honour our fallen soldiers. My Dad gave me this small red case to hold that kept my hands warm.
I remember having coffee with some older gentlemen when I was in my early twenties. One of them fought in the war. He didn’t talk about it much. Only told me one sad story of when he was in France. That was enough.
I remember visiting the Museum of the Regiments in Calgary, and being overwhelmed as I looked at the lists of names who were lost in the various wars. They were someone’s son, brother, husband, father.
It’s easy to move into sorrow, and it’s important to move into Gratitude.
Thank you to all those men and women of courage. I am truly grateful to each and every one of you for the gift you gave of your life’s energy to serve the greater good.
Love,
Velma
