We remember them with respect and gratitude
Their sacrifices mean we can make poor choices and uninformed statements in an atmosphere of freedom
Note: the following column was originally printed for Remembrance Day in 2016. The sentiments expressed then continue to be true today. The column is reprised this week, once again showing respect for all who served in past wars and for the men and women who continue to serve in today’s military
Several years ago, I was honoured to be the guest speaker at the annual Remembrance Day banquet held at the local Royal Canadian Legion hall.
One of my work colleagues at the time questioned why I would want to spend my day off “with a bunch of old guys who had likely spent the day drinking beer.”
I was disturbed by her crass comment about the veterans and even more disturbed to learn that she had never attended a Remembrance Day service, did not know what went on there and had no desire to learn. Remembrance Day, she implied, was a glorification of war and she wanted no part of it.
She did not understand that she was able to express such opinions without fear of retribution, in part, because the very veterans she ridiculed served in world wars to ensure our freedom of speech and to free the world from men who would severely limit our right to live peaceful lives.
When I related her comments during my speech, there were gasps of outrage and shock from the veterans in attendance. After the dinner, one of the men approached me and said I should pity my colleague because maybe she hadn’t been raised in a home where she was able to learn about the sacrifices made by the soldiers and the families who stayed at home and made their contributions.
I believe that the elderly man had accurately nailed the problem. Her education about Remembrance Day should have started at home, or at least in a school classroom. If that had happened, she might not have been so dismissive of a day that holds special significance for the men and women and families who had direct knowledge of what the war years meant for them.
In our home, my Dad didn’t talk much about his actual duties or what he saw. Instead, he talked about his buddies, about the people he met who welcomed the Canadian soldiers with open arms, especially in Holland where residents were liberated amid much celebration. He talked about some of the men who came from our community and how he met them overseas and shared news of home.
See Also:
Remembrance Day: Few remaining Second World War veterans want to be seen and heard
The trauma of serving: Canada’s aging veterans are often troubled and need help they aren’t getting
‘SYMBOL OF COURAGE’: Alex Decoteau went the distance for freedom
‘So grateful:’ Albertans remember fathers’ Second World War battles to liberate the Netherlands
Liberals deny ‘prayer ban’ at Remembrance Day ceremonies, despite Conservative accusations
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From one Vet (of the ‘senior service’ I hasten to add – ha) to another, Jack. Thank you for your service. Thank you for posting the Naval Hymn. It has very much meaning to me. Lest We Forget. And we don’t.