National Silver Cross Mother Maureen Anderson who lost two sons who served in Afghanistan.
Again this year acknowledged Remembrance Day from the comfort of my home,watching the commemoration held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. For decades I made a point of heading to a cenotaph for the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, no matter the weather, as my way of honouring my veteran father and father-in-law and so many others who served country and cause.
I am always moved by the bugle, the bagpipes, the childrens choir, the moments of silence. I get downright teary when I see veterans and service persons wiping away their tears. The presence of the Silver Cross Mother and the presentation of wreaths are all aspects of showing respect and gratitude. It's important that there is now a strong representation from Indigenous veterans
Chaplains have been asked to be as inclusive as possible and while I appreciate and support this there is something of a "to whom it may concern" feel to the prayers and remarks. The sense of reverence and the holy comes more from the solemnity of ritual, along with the thousands of Canadians who put aside differences and take the time to remember.
I wrote recently about wife Ruth's diligence in transcribing her British mother's diaries from WW2. We've followed Norah's story from working in a shop to enlisting in the Wrens, resulting in her meeting Canadian serviceman Max, probably at a dance, and the rest is family history. This exercise of love and discovery makes me want to take in the latest exhibit at the Canadian War Museum about women artists and how they have perceived the conflicts in which our country has engaged:
Women artists experienced war in distinct ways. Through their art, they reflect different perspectives on war and Canada’s military history, influenced by their own lived experiences and identities. Outside the Lines, which opened on May 24, 2024, is the Museum’s latest and most extensive look at war and conflict through the eyes of women artists.
I hope that you've found ways to pause and remember today as we acknowledge all those who served.
3 comments:
I always do. My father was in the Royal Canadian Navy ( he was a walk around the block) sign up.My father-in-law was in Her Majesty Royal Navy. My Dad and I always tried to have a beer at the Legion after the service. I treasure those times, the stories, seeing and hearing the bond between these men.
I think a trip to Ottawa is in the future, what an art show to see.
Yes, I think of my Dad who served in Burma during the war, and the many stories he shared with me of what he went through as an 18 year old. His 25 year old brother was a pilot and was shot down and killed over the English Channel. To have gone through what my Dad did, and the tragedy of losing his sibling, makes my Dad my hero.
Thanks Laurie and Roger for these personal reflections. They were heroes and we should raise a glass to them all.
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