Tomorrow, the 11th Day of the 11th month at the 11th hour marks the signing of the Armistice signifying the end of "The War to End All Wars". This solemn moment has transpired to become a day to pause and reflect on the sacrifices laid down by so many service personnel in a series of two World Wars and several other conflicts.
I recall my own Mom telling me that originally Remembrance Day was known as Armistice Day. Its purpose was to recognize the fallen from The Great War of 1914-1918 who did not return.
Her parents were terribly heart stricken at how many young men from every small Canadian town and community simply didn't return. Her father wept because an entire generation was virtually wiped out at battle places with names like the Somme or Ypres or or Vimy Ridge. Lost now in the fading memories of all but a few their names are inscribed on Cenotaphs and memorials across this country, in each and every village, town and city where the loss was so strongly felt and made such an indelible impact.
During Mom's own youth she worked in a furniture factory building the wing tips and leading edges of Mosquito Bombers as part of the Canadian War effort. The First Great War had not achieved that which it had set out to accomplish.
After the Second World War, Canada experienced a time of growth and prosperity. Mom met and married Dad. Like countless school chums Dad had volunteered for service. He served 3 1/2 years in the RCAF and it was from his rare accounts and snippets of service life that I learned that he and his crew considered themselves some of the lucky ones because they returned when so many did not.
At times the operational losses during the war were staggering. It has never ceased to amaze how many friends, relatives and schoolmates my parents could recount off the top of their heads that did not come back home.
Fortunately it was instilled in us the reason for stopping, pausing and reflecting on this day. Generations who came before laid the foundations on which we build our futures. The least we can do is show our respect and gratitude if only for two minutes.
On the news recently was the fact that our Second World War vets are now well into advancing years and sadly of the 1.2 million Canadians who served in the Army, Navy or Air Forces less than 250,000 are still with us. 1 in 5 remain. Not good odds. I guess that is simply the progression of time. The last 3 of Dad's aircrew passed away this year. Every year there are fewer and fewer vets to attend ceremonies.
Tomorrow, make the effort to mark if only for a few moments the sacrifices made by so many and if you know a veteran say a thank-you.
For those service vets of every conflict from the Great War through to Afghanistan, "Thank-you". It's not too much to let you know that there will be generations yet to come that will not forget.
