Remembering the past.

With Remembrance Day approaching I, like many, have been giving a lot of thought to the past. It seems this day of recognition for those who fought for us and for those who gave their lives for us is slowly losing its connection with young generations. I mean really losing the connection.  But it's amazing how one single unsuspecting moment can bring it right back in front of our eyes.

A moment like this came to mind back when we lived in Ottawa just after our first child was born. Each year our national ceremony in honour of Remembrance Day takes place there at the War Memorial.  Many of us watch it on television, broadcast live each November 11th.

That year - 2003 - it seemed that we really should be there to experience the event in person since we were living in the capital. I was unable to attend but Daddy Crumb took Suvi down and relayed an emotional story back to me upon his return.  As each wreath was laid, each statement made, each gun firing and the trumpet playing “The Last Post” before those two minutes of silence, our thoughts were all, of course, with those who had served, perished or lost loved ones.

But he told me of the most poignant moment that came as the veterans walked their march through the streets, many of them quite elderly and some struggling yet still holding their heads high.  He had Suvi, then one year old, up in his arms and an old vet turned his eyes to them as he passed by.  He smiled and his eyes welled up with tears as he looked at them.  He turned and kept going.  I wonder if he was reflecting on what a powerful thing he had done by serving our country, preserving our freedom, so that we as next generations could live and prosper.  So that our youngest citizens – like our little one who he had taken notice of - had a chance at an exceptional life.  I wonder if he knew what an impact he had on my husband as he watched that moment transpire.

This week as we recognize Remembrance Day, we will talk even more than usual with our children about their grandparents and great-grandparents.  About the way they lived, the sacrifices they made, the power of their legacies.

We’ll talk about those still making sacrifices today to serve our country and protect freedoms. We’ll talk about how grateful we are for what we have and the opportunities open to us.  


Lest we forget...