November 11, 2006

I will remember. God Bless our soldiers

To you from failing hands we throw the torch
Be it yours to hold it high
If you break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep.......

Wearing a poppy signifies that you too, will fight for freedom and democracy.

Sorry, previous post sign off mispelled.

Do you know someone who enlisted in World War I?

Search the WWI CEF database

Do not thank a poet for free speech, thank a Veteran.

Do not thank a politician for Democracy, thank a Veteran.

Do not thank a reporter for freedom of the press, thank a Veteran.

Do not thank a hippy for the right to protest, thank a Veteran.

Lest we Forget …-

Excerpt:

Down
below me, in a field, men were playing a game of football while all this
business of death was going on. Above and between the guns I
heard their shouts and cheers, and the shrill whistle for “half-time,”
though there was no half-time in the other game so close to them.
Nature, too, was playing, indifferent to this bloody business. All the
time, while the batteries were at work, birds were singing the spring
song in ecstatic lyrics of joyfulness, and they went on far flights
across a pale blue lake which was surrounded by black mountains of
cloud.

Another bird came out, but with a man above its wings.

It was an

English aeroplane on a journey of reconnaissance above the
enemy’s lines.

I heard the loud hum of its engine, and watched

how
its white wings were made diaphanous by the glint of sun until it
passed away into the cloud wrack.

It was invisible to us now, but not to the enemy. They had sighted it,
and we saw their shrapnel searching the sky for it. The airman
continued his journey on a wide circling flight, and we saw him
coming back unscathed. …-

THE SOUL OF THE WAR

by PHILIP GIBBS

3w.gutenberg.org/catalog...g/world/ results
Free download.

Thankyou for all you have given.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon them.

A letter written to my Grandfather, from his brother, Arthur L. Salmon; 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. Lest we forget.

Innocence Ward
Beltinal Green Military Hospital
Cambridge Heath Rd. I
London E.
July 1st/16

My dear old George

Just a few lines to say that I am back in England & am making good progress with my wounds.
We had an awfully tough time at Ypres on June 2nd & all our battalion & several others got cut up to hell in a terrific bombardment & then the Huns came over in thousands & took our front line trenches, there being a few isolated groups of men left to oppose them. I got hit by pieces of shell casing in my left arm & leg. All the extensor muscles of the forearm are torn away & about two inches out of the middle of the ulnar bone are gone. The arm at present is absolutely useless, but Drs. Talk of grafting in a new bone & muscles so that they make a pretty good job of it.
My left thigh has all the inside of it gone, pretty nearly. Another half inch & it would have had the bone & femoral artery, & then it would have been all up.
I believe it will also have to have some grafting.
However I’m not worrying. I’m lucky to get off with what I did. The worst part was that I was not picked up for five days, & lived practically on what water I could get. It rained heavily one day & I managed to collect enough water to fill my water bottle & a tin can & believe me I have never tasted so delicious a drink in all my life. I just drank & drank & drank. I was practically a living skeleton when they got me & my wounds were in awful condition. I’ll bet you could smell me two miles off.
Poor old Alec is missing. There is a chance that he may be a prisoner, but personally I believe he was killed.
Poor old chap, he was the first to bind my wounds & then carried on with the fighting.
The reason I don’t believe he is a prisoner is that I think he would not submit to that, but would rather die fighting. He and the rest of the boys with him, just a handful, were well supplied with bags of bombs, etc. & I’ll bet they just put up one hell of a scrap, till they were overpowered by the hordes of Huns that came pouring over.
I wish I could have been with him at the end. I only hope that his end was quick if he really is dead, as I would hate to think of him going through a similar experience to mine & then dying at the finish, as it is impossible to describe the awful agony of the wounds & thirst combined. There is one thing that we can be proud of & that is that he & nearly all of our battalion that were left never gave up an inch, but died fighting against tremendous odds. They outnumbered us 75 to 1, as it is estimated that 9000 came over & there were only about 120 of our boys left to face them. The other Canadian battalions just walloped the Jesus out of them a few days later & took back all the lost ground & inflicted awful losses on the Huns. When our artillery really gets going at them they soon lose their nerve and won’t fight or even remain in their front trenches. But the day we got wiped out our artillery never helped us with a single shell, there was an awful blunder somewhere, and I consider all those valuable lives were sacrificed for nothing, because of all the muddling that goes on. There seems to be no co-ordination between our artillery and the infantry & this is not the first time that men in the front line trenches have been let down by some goddamn monocled son-of-a-bitch in charge of the artillery, covering those respective sectors of trenches. It makes one curse to think of their damnable inefficiency & incompetence. As often as not, when they do open up, they have to be stopped as they hit our lines instead of the enemies.
How are things going on with you? I hope things are looking good for you & that you are having good luck with the horses, etc.
If I hear of anything in connection with Alec, will let you know at once.
Well good-bye old boy & good luck.

Yrs affect

Skipper

P.S. Willie is still instructing at the gas defenses school & is quite well.
A.S.

Thanks for posting that letter, Raymond. A chilling read, imagining what that man and your family went through. I am grateful for their sacrifice.

In the open thread category:

I was absolutely shocked by what Craig Oliver and Bob Fife were saying yesterday on Mike Duffy Live with Jane Taber--where IS Duffy, anwyay? 'Anyone heard?

The subject was China and Canada, and China's apparent snub of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Essentially, what these Librano-huggers were saying was that Chretien, Martin, etc. were smart to "only go so far" in criticizing China for it's human rights abuses, because the Librano$ understood that next to the U.S., Canada's next biggest trading partner has to be China.

One of them, I think it was Craig Oliver, actually said that the Conservatives "were serious" about challenging China on its human rights abuses and that this just wouldn't do. Bob Fife (or Oliver, depending on who made the comment) agreed whole heartedly.

I was watching two news commentators sounding totally like Librano Party members, dissing the Conservatives because they really meant what they said to China about its vile abuses of human rights. According to Oliver and Fife, it's a total NO-NO to call China to task for these abuses—and the CPC and PM Stephen Harper are naive and, um, between the lines, stupid to do so.

I watched, slack-jawed, as these two useful Canadian idiots declared principles be damned; any compromise on human rights abuses is fine--indeed, necessary--if it means trade for Canada, and not only that: The Librano$ were to be congratulated for giving lip service to Canada's concern for China's appalling record on the abuse of human rights, whereas the CPC were to be roundly criticized for being "serious" about Canada's concern about these abuses.

Whoa. 'Anyone else feel like the world has just been turned upside down and inside out? What's right is considered wrong, and what's wrong is considered right? Good G*d. And the Liberals are the Party of "openness," "tolerance," "diversity," and "equality"?

Openness to corruption and law-breaking, not to mention downright barbarity;
Tolerant of tyrannical dictatorships if it means profits for them and their off-shore-profiteering, money-bags friends (Mo Strong and Paul Martin immediately come to mind);
Diversity meaning all comers are welcome: right and wrong; honest and dishonest; honourable people and scoundrels; democratic principles and dictatorial tyrannies: Come one, come all--and bring your money bag$.
Equality: sure. Downright barbarous practices are right up there with law-abiding ones. Who cares, as long as they bring in the BIG BUCKS.

Our soldiers died in two wars to end all wars for this?

Raymond, did your grandfather recover sufficiently from his wounds?

B. Hoax Aware, 11:45a:

Nice thoughtful post. Unfortunately, there are far too many in this country who either need to reflect on your thoughts, or would deny them altogether.

My 9yr-old son played hockey this morning at 11am. Just before the game they lined up both teams at the blue lines, and everyone in the stands rose & removed their hats for a full minute. I was amazed how respectfully still the players stood for the minute; if you've ever watched a 9-yr old on skates, you know the last thing they can do easily is remain motionless for any length of time.

It was a moving little tribute, and gave one both a little pride in being Canadian, and some little amount of sobering second thought for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to grant us the lives that we have today.

May they all rest easily; they must never be forgotten.

mhb23re

I watched the ceremonies this a.m.,both on ctv & cbc,and once again moved to tears for all we have been given,thanks to all the Veterans.Having grown up on a military base,I truly do understand,and hold each and every one of the military..both past and present in the highest regard.
I must say tho,that I was somewhat disgusted that once again Taber uses the soapbox of honoring heroes,to politicize,and slag PMSH,and current gov't for any and every little thing.Also noted that Newman made bit of issue about PMSH standing on the dais (with Gov.Gen),for the march past of the vets,etc.He commented that it was the 1st.time a PM had done so,that it was usually just the Gov.G.that stood there.I say..why not let PM be front and center to show his respect for,and gratitude to the troops.Maybe this simple gesture speaks volumes about his commitment to our folks in uniform,as opposed to the Libs,that tried to decimate them.Good for you PM,we the people stand with you!
LEST WE FORGET..and with deepest thanks to all that wear the uniform. Sammy

Kursk;
The letter was written by Grandad's brother. My Grandfather did not serve. He and two of his brothers drew straws in August of 1914 to determine who would enlist and who would remain home to look after their homesteads (near Buffalo Lake/Bashaw, AB). Grandad pulled the long straw. Two other brothers, who lived in Idaho and Washington, came North to enlist in early 1915. Out of a total of four serving brothers, one (L. Bruce Salmon) died during training in Edmonton 31/12/14(Illness), another (Alexander deN. Salmon) was KIA at Sanctuary Wood (Ypres) Belgium 02/06/16. Dr. Arthur L. Salmon (the letter writer) recovered physically, but the war haunted him until his death in 1947. He was never the same. The oldest brother, William A. Salmon, survived the war & moved to South Africa, where he continued his career as a mining engineer.
Grandad lost his two closest family members during the Great War. It is for him, them, and so many others that I hold this day closely.
Thanks for your thoughts.

For the first time in many a year, I was actually proud of the Prime Minister that laid the wreath on this Remembrance Day! Re the PM standing with the GG taking the salute---maybe they wanted someone who was actually born in this country to receive the respect from the troops--just a thought.

another rainy, cold remembrance day...brings back many memories..parade square in petawawa...snow an inch thick on my face....hungover as heck....but i never flinched....if those old guys who put it on the line can stand there...a thank you to those who served b4 me, a salute to the fine men and women i served with, and a "GO ARMY" to the boys and girls in afghani...u r makin this old soldier proud

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

To all the rough men and woman who go into harm's way on our behalf, I Thank You. Bless you for Yesterday,Today and Tomorrow.

Anyone wanting to send a Christmas care package to a soldier serving in Af'stan might want to get in touch with Wendy Sullivan at 3w.canadianangels.org

I've just started writing to a young soldier, living in a tent in the Afghan mountains, and am off to pick up some stuff to send to him.

Kate posted the canadian angels Web site info a long time ago. It links civilians here in Canada with soldiers serving in the field.

Lest we forget.

Not a chance!

My thoughts and gratitude are with our veterans and serving soldiers today.
Also,I appreciate all the thoughtful comments on this thread.

There were just 15 people including me at the Yorkton cenotaph this morning, however there was at least a few other ceremonies elsewhere in the city at the same time.

Been around the block: Wrt 12:25, saw the same thing, had the same reaction. Well put. It just boggles the mind how spokepeople for the Embedded Ruling Tribe keep posing as journalists. It's an ongoing, in-your-face farce.

It's been said that the role of journalists is to act as the unofficial opposition. But when the Liberals were in power, CTV/CBC pretty much did watch-the-hand PR work on behalf of the ruling Liberals, and went out of their way to portray the opposition Conservatives as being a threat to real Canadian values. Now that the Conservatives are in power, they're still pimping for the Liberals. Even at a ceremony to honour our war vets. Just shameless.

One can only flinch at the dearth of human kindness in a person(?) like Shirley. Hati, birth place of our GG, has endured years of war. Does the fact the GG is black bother you as well Shirley?

You know, veterans haven't gotten much appreciation since VietNam, and it is very considerate of everyone to extend their thanks.

What veterans really need when they get back is practical assistance.

Often a veteran has been out of the civilian loop for quite a number of years, involved in things that are usually misunderstood by civilians.

The best way of saying thanks to a returning vet is to help him get a loan for that house he wants to buy. To realize that military service recommends someone for a job in many ways despite the fact that his direct experience might not translate into what you're looking for.

Often returning veterans are sitting in front of a TV somewhere, jobless, ostracized by much of society, watching dignitaries lay wreaths at various memorials.

This can make the vet feel more alienated than before.

So just remember, the vet has been away for years. He hasn't been able to establish credit. He is looking for a job opportunity, and he's competing with someone with a college degree earned while he spent 4 years chasing the bad guys.

Think practical people. Think about that guy on the couch needing civilian expertise to get launched. It will mean more to him that some universal tribute likely made in a town he will never visit.

Try to give the guy a break.

Our local radio station, Country 100 FM, played a fitting tribute to soldiers past and present this morning, "The Red and White", by a strong supporter of our Canadian forces, Julian Austin. That led into the 11:00 observance of silence followed by "November 11th" by the Cruzeros. We will not forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and a special thank you to all you veterans and current military personnel.

Marvellous thing, these blogs.

On this special day (and every other day), we must not forget the sacrifice.

Perhaps you'll enjoy this:

http://www.democrat.ca/media/remembrance.wmv

(12 mins)

'In Flanders Fields' is not only a poem we recite to remind us of those soldiers who died. It's a poem to remind us of _everyone_ who has died, soliders and the civilians who unfortunately but always seem to inevitably to get involved. From WW1 and WW2, through Korea and Vietnam to Kosovo, the World Trade Center, Afghanistan and Iraq, it is the people in these conflicts and others who have passed on that we remember on November 11, and that their sacrifices, some necessary and many not, have shaped the world we are in today. It is to remind us of the price that is always paid.

And it's a poem to remind us to not let those deaths, civilian and military, become meaningless, senseless, worthless. That something worthwhile should come out of the price paid by the efforts and lives of those in the middle of everything. And I do believe that our troops are doing their best to make that happen, even if things are not happening the way it sounds like some people want. I understand that it will take time, but so do all good things. I do not believe that diplomacy with the radicals will be honored by them. I believe that our troops are needed alongside the humanitarian effort. I do not want their efforts to be wasted. Because I want the world to be a better place.

As did those who lie row on row in Flanders fields.

Lest we forget.

Over 8000 in attendance at Credit Union Centre in Sasktoon today. Wonderful service with a couple of highlights. Huge standing ovation for the vets who came marching in. Then, when the mother of Sean Keating, recently killed in Afghanistan, laid a wreath, the crowd gave another huge ovation... a lot of tears at that moment.

At around 11:00 the lights were dimmed... with a lone trumpet playing and rows and rows of soldiers, mounties, cadets etc. at attention, the place went dead silent... very wonderful moment. It made me wish that all those lads who perished in wars gone by, and in Afghanistan, and on Peacekeeping, could be there to see the respect they were being shown. Truly a wonderful moment.

Normally I attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies held at Old City Hall in Toronto, in better times with my mother and my now-deceased father, but this year I attended the ceremonies in Streetsville.

There was a good turnout of several hundred people in the square around the Cenotaph. The day was wet and a bit cold, but on the whole a lot better than anything I’ve experienced before, when the wind has been a lot stronger and the air is usually bitterly cold.

The Streetsville Pipe & Drum band was on hand in kilts. A number of local veterans stood proud with chests full of metals. There were also a good number of active duty military men and women.

Young cadets in uniform stood at the four corners of the cenotaph. One was so cold that you could easily see the visible shaking of his body.

A young family stood behind me, and I could hear the father whispering to his daughter the meaning of why we were there. He told her that soldiers made sacrifices – some of them the ultimate sacrifice – to ensure our freedoms, and that we were there to honour them and their sacrifices. It was all very well put and inspiring.

Liberal MP Wajid Khan presented a wreath, as did Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion (85 years’ young, the amazing Mayor McCallion moves with an ease and grace that indicates she suffers none of the pains nor debilitations that normally come in later years).

At the end of the ceremonies a procession of military personnel went from the cenotaph to the local legion. The rest of us went to the cenotaph to have a look at the wreaths and messages; amongst them was a wreath that was signed as being from the Muslim community of Mississauga.

Then we all removed the poppies from our coats and either laid them at the base of the cenotaph or pinned them to a wreath.

It was encouraging today to see young and old coming together today to remember those that went before us.

We must make sure that the torch of remembrance never goes out.

It was encouraging today to see young and old coming together today to remember those that went before us.

We must make sure that the torch of remembrance never goes out.

Made the announcement for two minutes of silence at work today. It was nice, everybody just paused and stopped talking, some bowed their heads.

Get yer pension here... no income tax, no EI, no CPP, to be deducted. Stash it all off-shore; try St. Pierre-Miquelon. Ask the Librano$ for free advice.

Bring your own brown envelope; Librano$ cannot afford to buy any. News reports say the Liberal$ are a ca$h-$tarved Party. ...-

Liberal leadership hopefuls go a'courting for second ballot support

OTTAWA (CP) - Mark Eyking has rarely felt so popular or so important. (cnews)

Thanks, BATB. That's exactly what I was going to say.

"'At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.'"

"Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon them."

And I especially remember Bob and Ashton.

Amen.

Mea culpa again. Apology for the above at 3:54. Wrong thread. Please delete.

I just came back from Remembrance Day at Victory Square here in Vancouver. It was the biggest I remember, people brought pro-troop signs and there was an enormous sign ["We Remember": static.flickr.com/112/294729069_aee57d9561_b.jpg] put up by a building owner just across from the square.

A lone bag-piper was playing and the sun came out over the cenotaph just as the whole band joined him. It was moving. After that we had spitfires flying over in the missing man formation accompanied by the sound of canon rippling along the mountains.

The biggest applause was when a band of veterans marched past playing 'The Maple Leaf Forever'. That other anthem - the English words, written only a few blocks from that square - was not to be heard.

Standing in that audience you felt to be part of the Canadian Nation.

The only disappointing part of the ceremony was the composition of the crowd - not who WAS there, but who WASN'T. The crowd was mostly white with a lot of aboriginals, but there were very few Asians or South Asians. I'm not going to say something about the bravery of Asians, because they were well represented in the ranks of the troops and there was one veteran from the South Vietnamese Army who certainly must have a lot to say about bravery. But I might say something about respect, or lack of it by many newcomers to this country. Respect for our history and traditions and respect for their obligations to our veterans.

My grandmother celebrated her 93rd birthday on Saturday so we had a bit of a celebration on Sunday. During dinner, I sat across from my uncle and his wife. They had spent about a month in Europe and told me about their trip. They went from Rome to Ortona to Lucerne, Switzerland to Belgium to Holland. I was curious as to why they went to Ortona. I had never heard of the place and wondered what the attraction was. My uncle told me that it was the site of a very important battle during WWII. He also told me that my grandmother’s brother, Ernie, had been killed during the battle. He and my aunt had visited the cemetery where over 1,300 Canadian casualties were buried along with his uncle Ernie. I guess Ernie would be my great uncle. I was a bit embarrassed because I did not know that I had a great uncle Ernie nor did I know that he had been killed in the war. The conversation moved on and I heard about the rest of his trip.

Later that evening I googled Ortona, Italy to find out what I could about the battle and possibly how Ernie had died. Turns out that Ortona is a seaport on the Adriatic and was considered to be very important to the Germans. The battle began on December 5th, 1943 with a night crossing of the Moro River by the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) who took the village of Villa Rogatti. The PPCLI and the Seaforth Highlanders secured San Leonardo and were to proceed to Ortona. Over the next 23 days the Canadian forces engaged in ferocious fighting but secured the town of Ortona. In the course of these battles, the Canadians suffered total casualties of 2,339 brave soldiers; more than 100 each and every day of the battle. In order to liberate a town I had never heard of in a country far, far away. All of this to help Italians be free of the fascists who were punishing them and their country. I could not determine how or exactly when my great uncle Ernie had died. I suppose I will find out the next time I talk to my grandmother. I am pretty sure that he died believing in our freedoms and the things that, at times, I take for granted. I am sad that he died but I have a sense of pride in what he did for other people; the ultimate sacrifice to provide future generations' freedom.

I could not help but wonder what Jack Layton would say about my great uncle. I wonder if he would have demanded that the troops come home and leave the people of Ortona and Italy in the hands of the German fascists. I wonder if he appreciates the sacrifice that our women and men in our armed forces are prepared to make to preserve his freedoms. I am proud of all of the 2.339 brave soldiers who gave their lives and will not forget their sacrifice. I will always be proud of my great uncle Ernie and what he gave to me and every other Canadian.

On this weekend, it is important to think of, support and admire the LIVING soldiers, the ones with exuberance and energy are representing Canada in this long war. Tom Eschak and Doug Tizya are Yukoners who have served and are serving in Afghanistan in the Princess Pats. Doug was wounded and is (I think) in Manitoba. Tom is on holiday right now. I have posted photos Tom sent home, of his friends and etc in Afghanistan. They are fun and well worth a look, and are such that, they are so worthy of our pride. I keep hoping that Canada will rise to the occasion, and become worthy of these soldiers' effort. Anyway, I am adding more photos to the blog over the weekend.

greg has hit the nail right on the head...human resource types in ontario do not treat military resume's nicely...i would think most end up in the shredder...i would love to see the numbers on that form of institutional bigotry...maybe talibanjack will lobby for equity legislation for ex-soldiers.....hahahahaha......GO ARMY

I attended the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the neighbourhood school yesterday.
It started off well and the children were very quiet and well behaved when reminded that this was a very solemn occasion.
Then about a quarter of the way into the program a Love-In broke out. (Not surprising the school is in Kitsilano).

A student recited the story of a little Japanese girl who had suffered so terribly after Hiroshima was bombed.
Then another student asked everyone to stand and raise their right hand and swear an oath that they would promise to always settle conflicts around the world peacefully.
I was so angry that this was the lesson being presented to the children that I had to pass by the Principle without looking at him.

Afterward I was more troubled by the thought that I may have been the only adult in the Auditorium that thought that this was not only an insult to the war veterans but even more insulting to the men and women currently fighting in Afghanistan.

God keep with His blessings. Those soldiers past joined in the struggle of those now present.

Thank you for keeping us a free people . Even those that would steal or rob of us of those liberties.

There is nothing Canadians can do for such a sacrifice, but to honor you & those who came before.

This is just one poem. If interested , there are many more at this site. It reflects my own feelings on the day.

This is a day to commend courage, while celebrating those, who have given there most for there Country & fellow citizans. To respect the responsability of these soldiers in doing there duty. Out of Patriotism, self sacrifice, or just seeking adventure. The reasons don't matter as much, as the acts of said people fighting for us .

Its a sad time as well. As we remember the cost of this freedom . The lives cut short, the grieving. The dath of some of the best folks we have.

In the end though these Men & Women are giants!!!

Geater love has no man. Than to lay his life down for strangers.

~REMEMBER ME~

We bid farewell to family and friends,
In hope that someday we'll live as brothers.
I pray for the day all wars will end,
and my fate shall be spared to others.

It was the war to end all wars,
That is what they had said.
After all these years,
Canada still counts her dead.

I was a true Canadian,
I wish you could see,
All I ask is,
Remember Me.

In war I fought and died,
I thought it did cease.
Now under the Blue Beret,
I die for World Peace.

Like Michael Ralph, John Ternapolski,
Plus the thousands of soldiers before.
On November 11th Remember
I died for Peace not War.

I was a true Canadian,
I wish you could see.
All I ask is,

Remember Me.

In Memory of

MCpl John William Ternapolski

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/9556/Mil.Poems.html

God keep with His blessings. Those soldiers past joined in the struggle of those now present.

Thank you for keeping us a free people . Even those that would steal or rob of us of those liberties.

There is nothing Canadians can do for such a sacrifice, but to honor you & those who came before.

This is just one poem. If interested , there are many more at this site. It reflects my own feelings on the day.

This is a day to commend courage, while celebrating those, who have given there most for there Country & fellow citizans. To respect the responsability of these soldiers in doing there duty. Out of Patriotism, self sacrifice, or just seeking adventure. The reasons don't matter as much, as the acts of said people fighting for us .

Its a sad time as well. As we remember the cost of this freedom . The lives cut short, the grieving. The dath of some of the best folks we have.

In the end though these Men & Women are giants!!!

Geater love has no man. Than to lay his life down for strangers.

~REMEMBER ME~

We bid farewell to family and friends,
In hope that someday we'll live as brothers.
I pray for the day all wars will end,
and my fate shall be spared to others.

It was the war to end all wars,
That is what they had said.
After all these years,
Canada still counts her dead.

I was a true Canadian,
I wish you could see,
All I ask is,
Remember Me.

In war I fought and died,
I thought it did cease.
Now under the Blue Beret,
I die for World Peace.

Like Michael Ralph, John Ternapolski,
Plus the thousands of soldiers before.
On November 11th Remember
I died for Peace not War.

I was a true Canadian,
I wish you could see.
All I ask is,

Remember Me.

In Memory of

MCpl John William Ternapolski

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/9556/Mil.Poems.html

So, tonight, Saturday, there were many military walking around Ottawa. Is green army?

Anyway, a couple of them walked into my watering hole. Many open hands to shake, free drinks for them. I shook their hands and said "thanks, you are doing the right thing in Afghanistan", where they had left in August. I felt like a turd wishing them well when they are doing for me that I should be doing.

On "Coach's Corner", Don Cherry dedicated the whole show to the soldiers serving in Afghanistan, ended with a very moving tribute to all those KIA.

From a Yank soldier south of the border, my thanks and gratitude to you our northern neighbors who have shared the same hardship and spilled your own blood for the same ground through the years.

I think you all have it right in calling it Remembrance Day. Here we call it Veterans Day and I wonder if perhaps that detracts to some extent from the meaning of it. it would be far more difficult I think for stores to have major sales to entice the public to buy more crap on "Remembrance Day."

Anyway, just the tuppence of an engineer waiting for the next deployment.

Tonight we toast the fallen and each other.

At the Cenotaph this morning, there was a crowd larger than I remember in recent years. They all, including children, stood silently through the pouring rain for the entire service. The one image that struck me most, was an older veteran, not in any legion uniform, but with his medals pinned to an old checkered jacket. Through the entire service, he stood at attention in the pouring rain, and when I offered him my unbrella, he shook his head no, and continued to stand at attention silently, staring straight ahead.

Today I travelled to Moose Jaw to visit my favorite Veteran who is hospitalized at the Union Hospital, my dad. He served 7 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the second world war. I was shopping for a couple of items at the Super Store where I crossed paths with an Air Force officer stationed at the base in Moose Jaw. He and his wife had attended services earlier and I considered it a great priviledge to approach them and offer my thanks for his (and her) service. He readily extended his hand along with a warm smile to thank me for the recognition and encouragement. He told me how much it meant to members of our Canadian armed forces to have folks approach them with thanks and encouragement.

I don't want to get too political with this but I wonder how many times the likes of Jack Layton and his followers have PERSONALLY given thanks to ANY of our men and women in uniform. They enjoy the freedom to spew their drivel while our finest die to protect their right to do so.

Don Cherry had a great letter from some of the soldiers. He is a real fan of soldiers.
Instead of listening to the talking heads of msm we watched the Ottawa remembrance service on CPAC, live.No commenters, only the occasional translater.
...very impressed by the vets standing in the cold rain, again showing us how sturdy they are and willing to show respect for the ones who didn't make it home.
A co-worker told me about her grandfather...too young for WW1, so he used fake ID to sign up. Then came WW2..he was too old...used fake ID to sign up again.

Lots of work in Alberta and I think employers would appreciate the cream of the crop. Endless opportunities for truck drivers, bus, taxi, equipment operators, medics, mechanics, everything. Provincial Government is experimenting with Sheriffs... Out of town work, in town, construction, you name it.

A little story about my son, grade 2, not very artistically inclined. His teacher dragged me over to the board to show me his painting on Thurs. of Soldiers at Flanders Field. I was very proud of him to see it. Normally it is stick men and very little detail. This was very detailed, and with great care, it will get framed when I get it home. His past two teachers have family members serving in Afghanistan, so he hears a lot of stories and asks a lot of questions. These two teachers have great attitudes and I can say they are very much alone at scool with the exception of a handful of parents/children who are RCMP.