Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day in the
U.S.) is a day for reflection and of being grateful for those that
choose to serve their nations. I am from a military family; my
father, sister, uncle and both grandfathers all have served in the
Canadian military. We now have our own son a Canadian Army Reservist.
As a mother, I am glad he chose to go to university last year and not
Afganistan. His three good friends went to Afganistan and have just
now returned last month after their tour of duty. As a mother, every
time I saw or read news in Afganistan I thought of their own mothers
and fathers reading or seeing the same news. News of bombs, threats
or attacks are all instant for this generation. Think back to the
early wars and how a letter would bring joy or would bring sorrow to
the families. Our son's friends could communicate frequently home to
their family or even their friends via the internet. We knew if they
were safe shortly after bad news “on the front”. Wars are
different than the early ones but the
feelings of the families
and friends are all too real and the same. I will remember the ones
today that served from wars long ago and I also remember the young
ones that have just arrived home last month. I reflect on what
freedoms we have today because of those that serve their country
whether it is serving in a “war zone” or serving here on the
“home front” to help protect our nations and freedoms.
I
am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own
way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I
believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country.
This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all
mankind. --John
Diefenbaker
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