Remember The Fallen

In Canada on November 11th we pause to recall all the military men and women that have fought and for some ,have paid the ultimate price. The freedoms and liberty we have in our western culture can be attributed to those brave souls who have served in the military and defended our countries ideals .

I cannot say that within my immediate family there are any military tales to tell. I did have some uncles who served in WW11 but they would rarely speak of their war time service. However that did not stop me from reading of the history of the major wars in the last century. Plus I have always watched the documentaries concerning the major conflicts . To watch  the horrors they faced and sacrifices made, so that I may have the freedoms that are enjoyed by all of us in Canada, truly makes one thankful for what they have done and still do.

Currently we have military still involved in the war against terror in Afghanistan . So far 152 souls have been lost in this war . So as we pause at 11:00 am tomorrow , may we think about those still serving and risking their lives that we might have the liberty to be free.Free to vote,free to speak our minds,free to worship . May we  pray for them and their families .  

In Flanders Fields  by John McCrae (1872-1918)

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.