A Day to Remember

Last year, I wrote a Remembrance Day column that I think was, perhaps, the best thing I've ever written on this blog. Reading it over last night, I realized there is no way I can capture such lightning in a bottle again.

Also, I know that the readership of this blog has increased greatly since then, so I'm sure there are a lot of you who haven't had a chance to read it. Therefore, I'm going to repost it as it's the best way I can pay tribute to the brave men and women who fight in our armed forces.



Today is Remembrance Day. It should be held in the utmost respect and reverence for the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have served in the military protecting the liberties we, as a society, take for granted every day.

For that reason, today’s post will be a marked departure from my regular fare: this is a tribute to the brave Canadians who have risked and are risking their lives overseas to protect the world from tyranny and oppression.

This is not meant to be a political discussion. I don’t care if you sit on the right or the left; arguing about the purpose and merits of our fighting forces does nothing but cheapen their tremendous sacrifice. I will say this, to all of those who question our involvement in overseas conflicts:

The only reason you are able to espouse such opinions and exercise your right of free speech is due to the strength and resolve of our veterans. Remember that the next time you get up on your moral high horse and criticize military tactics and procedures. These people made the ultimate sacrifice for you, asking nothing in return. Never forget it.

I fear that patriotism and remembrance is taking a backseat in the non-stop hustle of 21st century society and its complete subservience to technology. When is the last time you turned off your cellphone, email, TV or the internet and truly appreciated how great it is to live in a country like Canada?

I love the support provided by citizens during repatriation ceremonies along the Highway of Heroes, but it’s terrible to think that such an outpouring of compassion and thanks is catalyzed by the death of one of our soldiers.

I implore everyone to shut off all communication devices at 11am and reflect on the lives that were lost to guarantee our liberty. Two minutes is a miniscule amount of time to appreciate the veterans and the blanket of freedom they have provided Canadians.

Watching the Remembrance Day Ceremonies from Ottawa, it was heartbreaking to watch dozens of elderly men and women reminisce about their wartime experiences. Although their words couldn’t be heard, it was evident they struggled with inner demons of what they saw and what they had to do during their time “over there.” Many had tears rolling down their cheeks.

World War II veterans lived in an era where you kept things internalized and didn’t vocalize their experiences. I’m sure many of them did extraordinary and heroic things but they wouldn’t be caught dead bragging about them. That is extremely noble and refreshing in today’s “look at me” society.

The courage and bravery showed by these veterans is incomprehensible to me. We live in an age where sports media types think “courage” is a pitcher throwing on three days rest. Risking your life for your country is something the average person could never imagine.

I have a close friend currently serving a second tour of duty overseas. He is the bravest person I know. I can’t imagine what he goes through on a daily basis. The funny thing is I could beat him up in high school; now he could probably kill me with one hand.

I also have no problem saying I am too much of a coward to do what he does. It takes a special type of person with a bravery gene to risk life and limb. I am glad there are people like him willing to do the dirty work to keep us safe.

The things veterans have seen and experienced change them forever. They are haunted by their experiences for the rest of their lives – a steep price to pay for serving one’s country.

My thoughts on Remembrance Day can be encapsulated by the following music video; it’s one of the most stirring and heartfelt things I have ever seen. If you only look at one link I ever post on this blog, please make it Terry Kelly’s Pittance of Time.

To all former and current military personnel:

THANK YOU.