Rememberance Day

A Symbol of Our Fallen

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. It is a day where we as a Nation take pause and celebrate our servicemen and women. It is a day that we remember those who we give thanks to for our present freedoms.

It has been many years since I personally attended a ceremony. It was something I was rather ashamed of as I stood among a group of many in our small community today. I was surprised at the large number of young people in the crowd. A youth that has been untouched by civil strife stood side by side with veterans of many wars . It made me humble.

I watched in silence as did the crowd as each group came forth with their wreath to lay upon the memorial. A member of our Nations finest escorted each and every presenter and in strict accordance to protocol he would salute briskly, even as the presenter, often confused on their role fidgeted, unsure whether they should stand and salute or leave. This was never more poignant than when a group of Girl Guides came up, bearing their wreath, six little hands clasping their brilliant green and red gift of thanks.

They could not have been more than 7 years old and their anxious eyes watched the young officer hoping for some guidance in this sea of silent onlookers. A daunting task for any adult, it seemed almost paralyzing for these small girls. Six tiny hands laid the wreath at his feet and then looked at the crowd and unable to find any parental aid looked up at the young officer and waited patiently for guidance.

The young man was standing solemn and when he briskly saluted the memorial the three girls jumped. The littlest one poked the young mans leg. A silent but not too subtle way of saying,

"What do I do next?"

Much like the guards at Buckingham Palace who are trained to resist any and all prompting those little fingers, not understanding protocol, poked him again.

The young officer, resplescent in his crisp uniform flickered his attention to the young girls, meeting their gaze in quiet understanding and ever so slightly tilted his head towards the crowd. Smiling with acknowledgement they straightened their little shoulders and walked briskly at his side as they left.

I admit I lost the battle to remain impassive. My makeup was not quite so crisp when I finally reached the car after the service. I am not ashamed of those tears, nor will I be of any in the future. There are many brave young men and women who have given their lives in service of this country. There are many more still answering this call. A call that many of us ignore. Cries of wars in foreign lands often fall on deaf ears in lands where peace is accepted without the personal knowledge of the toll it demands in payment.

Today I not only remembered the past but the present.

I remembered that we still fight for freedom and peace.