11th November
Today would have been my mums 74th birthday. She was proud of being born on Remembrance Day, and never missed an opportunity to pay tribute to the veterans. She always told us about living during that time, my grandmother working in a factory for the war effort, mum and her sisters making 'ditty' bags full of things needed by the soldiers in Europe. I miss hearing those stories. So today, as I remember my mother, and remember those who have fought and died for the freedom I treasure so highly, I feel the need to write. Please pardon my meandering.
Today is an emotional day for the veterans in our countries. Most veterans remember their fallen comrades all year round but today they remember them publicly. In taverns, pubs, legions all across the free world there will be tears, stories, and remembrances.
I knew a WWI veteran, an extremely tall lanky elderly gent who used to come into the newspaper office and regale me with silly jokes and a wooden dancing doll he made. He talked about his time in the service, of being so far from home. Until he enlisted he had never been out of this small town we lived in. I kick myself now for not writing down all he told me. He has since passed away and his stories are gone.
My two uncles fought in WWII and I know today is extremely difficult for them. Uncle Alex, who joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles when he was only 15 years old (he lied about his age and they never questioned it) always talked openly about his experiences, but still he is haunted by the things he cannot express, and they have taken a toll on him mentally. No amount of drinking can quiet the silent demons he carries with him. Uncle Johnny, who joined the HRH Royal Navy with his school chum, never spoke much about his experiences. He would briefly talk about the funny things that happened, about his R&Rs in Sri Lanka, but never about much else. He too is haunted by the experience.
My friends' father, a mild mannered man who seldom drank, surprised me one day. A war buddy of his was visiting and they had been drinking. They talked about bayonnettes and using them in Germany. I was shocked by the vehemence with which both men spoke, of the vivid recollections, and of the look in my friends' father's eyes. I knew he had been in the war but I had no idea just how much it was still with him.
I was given an opportunity to interview WWII veterans for a newspaper and instead of finding men who closely guarded their past, I found men who were desperate to share their stories, to talk about it with someone who could listen. They brought out their mementos and photos, and as they talked, all the emotions of the past rose to the surface.
I think about all those other war veterans, from Korea and Vietnam, who have never been recognized for their sacrifices. In Canada our government still refuses to recognize Canadian Vietnam War veterans, even though over 40,000 men volunteered for that war. On the wall in Washington, there are 103 Canadians listed. They are not remembered in this country, and it is a disgrace.
Today we also must remember the veterans of the first Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq. They, too, have gone that step beyond to do what most of us can't do. It takes amazing courage and strength of belief to join the military and go to war. I think about the lads I know, who have been to Iraq. These are mere boys! I look at their photos and am shocked at how young they look and how carefree they were before going to Iraq.
Today they have seen far more than any young person should have to see. It has changed them. One friend used to be this cocky aggressive arrogant kid. After his first tour in Iraq I spoke with him and he had changed so much. The arrogance was replace with fear, and respect. He spent a second tour in Iraq and thankfully made it home safely.
It is so sad that countries send their children to fight wars started by old men.
My friend Simon will, today, take a long walk to the local cenotaph in Grimsby UK, and quietly pay tribute to those young men he fought with, and those who never came home. It is an emotional day for him too, and like my Uncle Alex, he won't talk about his experiences. They are too fresh, perhaps. Maybe one day he will want to talk about it. Maybe not. But it will be with him always.
Today I will say a prayer for all those still in war-torn countries, to make it back to their loved ones.
Today I will say a prayer for all those who have made it home safe, to continue on with their lives. I pray that they will find a way to deal with the things they have seen and done. May they find a willing ear to hear them when they want to talk about their experiences and understanding when they choose not to remember.
Today I will remember veterans of the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and pray that one day they will be publicly remembered with the honour and tribute they deserve.
Today I will say a prayer for all those, from all wars, who never made it home. May they rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon them. May their families remember the good times and be comforted in their loss.
Today I pray that we never forget.
"... And so, to you, we raise this silent glass -- and pledge ourselves to keep your memory bright, and pray we too, when comes our time to pass may look with fearless eyes into the night."
~ Anon
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."
"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm."
~ Orwell
"... We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother... "
~ Henry V
"Those who cannot remember the past, are doomed to repeat it."
~ George Santayana
