Remember

This poem was written by Poppy, a 15-year-old young adult and family friend of mine. It reveals the optimism, hope, aspiration and focus on the positive of the next generation. Something which we should also keep with us on this day:

Remember

Think golden meadows, specked with red jewels
Poppies, dancing softly in a slight, swaying breeze
Places of peace and joy
Places of remembrance

That time of year is here once more.

So as we gather today, think remembrance.
Remembrance for people here and not
And for those who journey
Across vast oceans

But not the distant remembrance of death and wars past
Think of happy summers, laughing, carefree
Kindness and love
That will always be strong.

We’re all gathered now, present together
Even those not here in body watch over in spirit
Feel their presence
Embrace the memories

Say not “Goodbye”, it’s “See you soon”
That bond of love in our hearts and souls
Connects us forever.
So feel the love between us all

The Importance of Remembering....

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month on 1918, Germany signed an Armistice formally ending WWI, until that point the most destructive war the world had ever seen.

We continue the ritual of taking a moment of silence at 11 am every Nov 11, to remember all those who died.

Here in England, those who fought are called the "lost generation", because an entire generation of young men was essentially wiped out.

If World War I demonstrated the absolute destructive capability of humankind, to a degree that we had not previously thought possible, then WWII and the subsequent genocides that have followed demonstrate the full extent to which humans have yet to progress.

This is why remembering is so important.

Remembrance day shouldn't be political.

It should be about giving those who sacrifice and those who continue to put themselves in danger, the respect that they deserve.

It should be about remembering all those who have suffered as a result of human conflict.

It should put human faces on the numbers that we see thrown at us everyday.

It should remind all of us how many people have sacrificed so that others could live, continue to see the sunrise, enjoy a moment of laughter, love, and be loved.

I'm thinking about my great-grandfather, who fought in WWI as a pilot. He was a flying ace.
I'm thinking of his son, my grandfather, who joined the Canadian Air Force and also flew in WWII.

I'm thinking of the men and women that I met during my brief time in the Canadian military who deserve respect and support for the countless tasks that have been asked of them.

I'm thinking of their families in small towns and big cities across the vast country, and of families in all countries, who's loved ones are far away, risking their lives for principles that we aspire to uphold.

I'm thinking of families in the Middle East, East Timor, Haiti, Sudan, the DRC and countless other places, where people cannot live, day-to-day without fear.

Until we learn to live and act responsibly, there will always be those who have to suffer on our behalf. Today, we remember, honor, and respect them.