[photo courtesy of allfestivalcelebration.com]
Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. It is also Veterans Day here in the US:
[photo courtesy of newsmint.org]
Today is a day of sending heart-felt thanks to all of those who have served (and are serving) in the Canadian Forces and the U.S. Military. Your dedication, sacrifice, honor, and selflessness is filled with immense gratitude and appreciation.
Today I watched the Remembrance Day Ceremony from Canada’s capital; Ottawa, Ontario. There were WWII veterans in attendance. How poignant to see expressions on some of the faces of these 90-plus year old souls that reflected the memories of their experiences. It is interesting to watch a WWII veteran during this somber ceremony; it begs the questions: What were they recalling at that moment? Is it something too horrific to comprehend for most of us? Are they thinking of their fallen comrades who never had the opportunity to experience a full life past the tender age of 20?
I have noticed a lot of advertising here in the U.S. touting the phrase, “Happy Veterans Day”. To me, this is certainly not the appropriate sentiment. I would rather see only messages of thanks, gratitude, and honor for our veterans on both sides of the Canadian/U.S. border. We must never become complacent in our demonstration of recognition and acknowledgement of their service.
Thank you, dear veterans; we will not forget.
The Chicago Files 