Remembrance Day is Tomorrow

It's a beautiful clear and sunny day today. The air is still and crisp with the scents of leaves and damp earth. But my thoughts are drifting to tomorrow when the rain will be beating down in torrents all day and we are remembering those who lived in trenches in all weather and just tried to survive. Tomorrow countries the world over will recognize Remembrance Day

We commemorate Remembrance Day to remember both those killed in World Wars 1 and 2 and in the line of duty since then. So it's not just an 'old man's' holiday as some younger people think...it's as relevant to us today because soldiers are still giving their lives in defense of freedom from tyranny both for us in the west and those in the east who cannot fight for themselves. The politicians can go ahead and make a mess of everything but the basics are this...these young men and women believe that it's their duty to stand up for those who can't defend themselves and that includes you and I. We can sleep soundly because of their efforts. Our children and grandchildren can go to school safely and can play outside because we live in a free and safe country. We are SO BLESSED! And we take it for granted.

We commemorate it on November 11th because the Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and brought peace to Europe in 1918. It is recognized in many countries in the world in addition to the US having Memorial Day in May.

Our family often attends the local service and/or watches the national service on tv from Ottawa. This year our children are memorizing the poem "In Flanders Fields" by a Canadian Doctor serving in WWI in 1915. The picture above is the memorial in his home town.

Every time I see fields of poppies I think about this poem and I'm grateful for living in a free land, for the opportunities my children will have because of people who have died in the past and those who have served and still serve in military and peace keeping organizations throughout the world. We don't forget. We teach our children about what happened. We tell stories from our family history and stories about our friends who lived in Europe after WWII and all they suffered. We keep the stories alive so that hopefully one day they will tell their children. If we can keep the horror of war alive then maybe they will not be doomed to repeat it.

To those of you who have served and those now serving ... from one little family in Nova Scotia, Canada, Thank You.