Remembering and honouring people who serve and have served today. While listening to the service from the National War Memorial, I was struck by the plea from the Chaplin to support those who return damaged -- physically and mentally, particularly for those who have thought of, attempted or succeeded in taking their own lives. Major mental health issues have been recognized in one way or another from many wars -- shell shock, battle fatigue, PTSD, PTSS and other names have been given to the damage that war can deliver. Regardless of what it is called, it exists and should be treated when veterans return home. It is a health issue as much as prosthetic limbs and external wounds. Major-General (ret.) Romeo Dallaire has been a strong proponent for such care after he suffered and attempted to take his life. He had led the NATO forces in Rwanda at the time of the genocide.
Yesterday was the centenary of the end of the Battle of Passchendaele, one where the Canadian Expeditionary Force fought. Special ceremonies of remembrance were held in Belgium this week. It was an extremely bloody battle that had been going on for several months before the Canadians arrived at the end of October, 1917. It is also 100 years since Dr. John McCrae wrote 'In Flanders Fields', since this was the area of the battles. Nine Victoria Crosses were awarded to Canadians after the fighting for Passchendaele ridge.
I looked at several songs before choosing one to share here today -- so many choices. This one tells of the battle. The songwriter sings the song with a piper who plays along. Enjoy!
Road to Passchendaele -- Alan Brydan ft. Major (ret.) Gavin Stoddart, MBE, BEM
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