Today is Remembrance Day. It’s a day when we all, as Canadians, pause to remember the sacrifices of those who served our country in wars and conflicts around the world. According to Veterans Affairs, more than 1.5 million Canadians have done so, and more than 100,000 of them lost their lives.
In our own family, there is an ongoing history of serving. My grandfather and great uncle both fought in WWII, and my great uncle did not make it home. He is buried in France. My other grandfather served in the military, as well, as did my mother’s husband. Jon’s grandfather served on the crew in a Lancaster in WWII, and his three uncles served in various roles and assignments with the air force. Two of his cousins have now enlisted.
I am grateful for those people who are willing to step up. I know that what they do is valuable. In spite of my pacifist leanings, I believe that the military is a necessary part of our society as it exists today. Without them we wouldn’t be able to engage in peace-keeping efforts or co-operate on the international stage in the same way. And even here at home we rely on the military to engage in search and rescue efforts, run communications and scientific programs, and respond in times of natural disaster.
For me, though, the overwhelming message that I carry away from Remembrance Day is that we should invest all of our efforts in preventing war and diffusing conflict. I believe that it is our highest goal to create a world where young people never again arm themselves to fight each other. While I am grateful to the people who have fulfilled what they saw as their duty, I would prefer that it had never come to that.
This week is not just Remembrance Day. It is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I remember that event very well. For a moment it seemed as if the whole world was united and hopeful. Events like that make me believe that peace is possible. That we can unite across cultural and political boundaries in shared purpose, to work towards a common goal.
I am a mother. And as a mother, I will do my summary best to foster peace and make a better world for my children. Because I cannot bear the thought of these wee people growing up to fight.
Well Said. I totally agree, thankful for those who have served and continue to serve our country but am hopeful for a peaceful future.
Me too.
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I am a pacifist, but like you I know that the army is an institution that is necessary. Yet I hope that one day there will be no need for fighting.
Also remembering the fallen today, the once who fought, the once who are fighting. And wishing for a peaceful future.
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We are so fortunate to be here, now. So many other parts of the world – even now – struggle to find food, water and a safe place to sleep, with the constant threat of fighting and other unthinkable things while trying to raise children. I thank our past and present military every day for making my reality possible.
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I just did a similar post for Canada Moms Blog…I too have the war in my family. My gramps never saw action, but was in Europe for the clean up and lost friends. My mom is the product of a war marriage. My Great Uncle was in RAF.
When you hear about how young they all were.
And am sad that we are still losing young people in conflicts around the world…that that ‘freedom’ is still being fought for..I fear for our kids..I really do.
Beautifully said, Amber!
I think that mothers everywhere can relate to these feelings. Once I had children, I found I loved and wanted the best, not only for them, but for children everywhere.
We all do our part to raise our children and change the world, through small, everyday actions, into a place where we never have to send another generation off to war!
I just wrote my own post on the topic (well, the American version, thereof). I’m the daughter, daughter-in-law, niece, sister and wife of veterans. It’s a rough day for me.
I, too, have a great uncle who died in WWII France (and is buried there).
This whole post has me nodding my head in agreement.
Every soldier has a mother and father, which makes seeing troops go to war ever more poignant now that I am a parent. But I agree, the military is necessary and important to a country that wants to prosper and spread prosperity.
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I totally agree with you on this, “…I would prefer that it had never come to that.” I believe that we can create a world of love and peace through mutual understanding and respect for each other differences.
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I thought the same thing as we stood on Parliament Hill, looking down towards the War Memorial. I said a prayer as the guns boomed, that with our efforts, my son will never, ever have to fight for freedom.
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