When I was teaching Middle School years ago, I was always astonished at the solemness and quiet reflection of students as they sat in their seats during our assembly for Remembrance Day. These normally robust, energetic and distracted teenagers were able to sit silently, watching and reflecting as images of Peace Keepers, World Wars I and II and Veterans were flashed on the screen. They stood at attention with bowed heads when the Last Post was reverberating across the expanse of the gymnasium and their eyes closed as we stood for 1 minute of silence that stretched like eternity to them.
And now, here we are in this century with our own battles from the pandemic. Battles of freedom, for health, with employers, human rights and justice are still being fought on the soil of many countries across the globe. But on November 11th, we honor and remember those who gave their very lives for us so that we could live the peaceful lives we live here in Canada. Let us remember those who sacrificed much; those who made a difference for world peace and those who continue to make a difference.
I have always loved the story of John McCrae, the author who penned “In Flanders Fields”. Movies have won Grammy’s for their depictions of war. Legions across Canada sell poppies each November; the bright red flower dons the lapels of many who proudly wear this symbol of peace. We not only remember the veterans and those whose lives were lost, but the sacrifices that were made at home. Sons and daughters, mothers and fathers lost loved ones. Atrocities were committed and yet brave men and women flew airplanes into the night, crossed borders in fear, hid children in attics and suffered beyond belief. And all for us. Yes, it is a time to remember and honor those who went before us.
Even the bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 that here is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
And so, as we ponder our lives and take a moment of silence, let us remember those who have fallen and pray that peace, love and freedom would prevail in our nation and in our world. Remember.
Lorrie Morales sent this ahead of Remembrance Day on the 11th of November. Her article is still relevant as we must always remember.