Day 2 - 314 -- Time to Reflect and Say Thank You

This has always been a sombre day for me -- a day to remember the many people I know and the larger number that I don't know, who have served during times of war and peace. So at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, I pause to reflect on the experiences of others that have affected the world in which I live. Each year I've watched the ceremonies from the National War Memorial in Ottawa and sometimes attend local services (living in different time zones can allow me to do both <smile>). Sacrifice means many things. It generally refers to that 'ultimate sacrifice'. Yet, we understand that sacrifice can be living with the physical wounds and the memories that wound mind and soul. It refers to those left behind, which is acknowledged yearly by the Silver Cross Mother award. There was sacrifice on the home front during the world wars as factories retooled to produce armaments with many women working on the assembly lines. Food and fuel rationing ensured citizens at home and troops had what was necessary. So, I see sacrifice as a multi-level concept that does not take away from the loss of life in service in any way. As stated by the Silver Cross Mother, Sheila Anderson from the NWT whose son Jordon was killed by an roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2007, this is a day to remember the losses but also to recognize the service and current needs of those who came home alive. Today also felt particularly poignant to watch the ceremonies from Ottawa coming from the place where Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was killed just over a year ago while he was standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

While reflecting today, my thoughts go to particular people who have served. I appreciate what they have done for the greater societal needs. Their service means much to me even if I can't always put it in words beyond 'thank you' which somehow seems a bit too concise for all that I feel. So I'll at least publicly say 'thanks' here today.

• To my grandfather, who as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force fought in WWI at Vimy Ridge and who had difficulty sleeping at night when I knew him -- I've often wondered how much of that was due to the battles
• To Bill and Winks, who served in the RCAF in WWII and Bill with the Air Force as a career in peace time
• To Barney, who served in the RCAF in WWII and who after a mortar attack in France woke in a hospital where people were not speaking  English, luckily it was a French hospital 
• To Lenny, whose career in the Army began in the  Korean conflict and took him and the family to postings across Canada and into Germany. He also served with an early Peacekeeping force in Cyprus.
• To Norm, who served in the Canadian Merchant Navy in the Atlantic during WWII and joined the army to serve in Korea
• To Mike, whose career with the Armed Forces (Air Force) included a tour with the Peacekeeping force in Egypt
• To Cory, who served in the Canadian Navy and Naval Reserve during peace time
• To Scott, who served on the flagship of the Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific in peace and in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea after Operation Apollo

I also am thankful for some people I've never met -- Violet Ryley and Kathleen Jeffs were dietitians during WWI and WWII, respectively, feeding troops at home and overseas in the field of battle and hospitals. General (ret) Romeo Dallaire served as commander of UNAMIR, UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda and witnessed the genocide. He brought the topic of mental health needs of returning troops clearly into the public discourse. While some might feel this dilutes the remembrance, without the many animals that served, the troops would not have been able to accomplish what they did -- the horses and mules that pulled artillery, the pigeons that flew messages from the front lines to HQ, the cats who kept vermin in check on ships, the dogs who detected bombs and served as sentries -- for these there is the purple poppy. 

The song I chose for today tells the story of the volunteer Royal Newfoundland Regiment from the viewpoint of those at home. This regiment entered the Battle of the Somme at Beaumont-Hamil. After the 30 minute battle less than 10% of the regiment remained. To the small island of Newfoundland, then the Dominion of Newfoundland, this meant the loss of much of a generation, which had major impacts on their development and economy. The singers are from Newfoundland and Labrador where the video was filmed. Enjoy! 

Sing You Home -- The Ennis Sisters