Remembrance Day

[Possegal]

My brother is a Viet Nam vet, I do understand.

My father and uncles were WW2 vets. My dad died many years ago. So for quite a few years I would go to Canada and spend Remembrance Day with his best friend, the man who introduced him to my mother. We would go to the air force club in Dundas. We would go to the parade, and we would talk about my Dad. Danny died a couple years ago and I miss those trips to Canada. I have off on that day, govt worker. I always take time to think of all those who gave so much for our country (and others, as my dad was a Canadian air force vet).

The last year we were at the parade and the guy talking made some comment about how much we owe and how maybe that guy in front of you who is walking so slow, maybe you owe him. The guy down the street in the wheelchair, maybe you owe him. You should be sure to thank the men and women that serve and make you safe. He is still saying this when this guy standing beside us, big hippy looking guy, just grabs my little 85 yr old uncle and hugs him tight. Scared the crap out of him I think, but sure did make me cry.

So yes, thanks to all on here who have and do serve and to any and all of your family that have and do serve, thank you and prayers for them all!

[SadieKate]

Is McCrae's poem still part of the curriculum for our youth? It should be.

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.

[kelownagirl]

The poem is read at our mandatory Remembrance Day Assembly every year. Plus we have the day off to attend the city services where we will hear it once again.

[crazycanuck]

On a soapbox..excuse me for a min

I think it should be compulsory for students to listen to a war veteran speak about thier experiences. How many kids in the Canada understand what Vimy represents?

Not only that, teens should be encouraged to learn more about Fromelles, Paschenedale, Vimy Ridge, Gallipoli, Chunuk Bair (will get the correct sp in a min) from WW1 all the way up to Long Tan during the Vietnam War.

My father used to visit schools as part of a legion program teaching students about peacekeeping. I'm sure the kids thought his stories from The Sinai, Cyprus, Bosnia, Somalia & other places were quite interesting.

One day..One day..

[kelownagirl]

We generally have a war vet come to our school to speak at our assembly each year.

On a soapbox..excuse me for a min

I think it should be compulsory for students to listen to a war veteran speak about thier experiences. How many kids in the Canada understand what Vimy represents?

Not only that, teens should be encouraged to learn more about Fromelles, Paschenedale, Vimy Ridge, Gallipoli, Chunuk Bair (will get the correct sp in a min) from WW1 all the way up to Long Tan during the Vietnam War.

My father used to visit schools as part of a legion program teaching students about peacekeeping. I'm sure the kids thought his stories from The Sinai, Cyprus, Bosnia, Somalia & other places were quite interesting.

One day..One day..

[Crankin]

Last year, I emailed someone in our town government about a slightly military related topic. When he answered me, he ended with, "and thank you for your son, Scott's, service in the Marine Corps."
I was kind of amazed that he had taken the time to find out my son's name, and what branch of the service he was in.
I am now very aware of veterans, in a way that I never have been.

[Pax]

My beloved dad was a career military man who spent most of my youth in SE Asia with three tours in Vietnam. I am an Army veteran and Veterans Day was always really special to he and I. I went to visit his grave in the National Cemetery on Sunday, standing there with him and all our fellow Vets was comforting, I'm glad he's resting with them.