I picked up a book at the library earlier this week called "Highway of Heroes" by Kathy Stinson, because it looked like a fresh-off-the-press picture book I could use with the children Lest We Forget. And so I read it to them yesterday, and I learned something. Somethings. And one of them is how emotional I can get about those who have died so that I can live in a relatively free country.
The Highway of Heroes was not a staged event. It grew, from the respect that Canadians have for those who have given their lives to protect our country. When a soldier returned to Canada in a coffin and was being transported from CFB Trenton to the coroners in Toronto, people started to gather on overpasses to pay respect to the fallen soldier, and his family. And every time another soldier returns for a final convoy lead by the hearse they are travelling in, the people who stop to salute or fly their Canadian flags from overpasses increases so there are now crowds on each of the 50 bridges they pass under.
I don't care what country you are from, or what your political stance on The War is. But I do think there ought to be respect for their courage and commitment, and to show respect and compassion on their families at this time of loss.
This moved me to tears.
Lest We Forget.
It is very emotional. I think it is the band "The Trews" from Antigonish that wrote a popular song by the same name and it is often heard when another soldier's death occurs.
ReplyDeleteTake care...from our fam to yours..Jennifer (CB)
Thank you Karen for this video (It also brings tears to my eyes):
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a young cadet, I was given the prestigious honour of being chosen for the "Honour Guard" to stand post at the cenotaph here in Kamloops on Remembrance Day. I have attended every parade since then and now I also wear the uniform of the Canadian Armed Forces. I am in awe of the number of people who pay respect to our fallen, nation wide. Here in Kamloops, the number of people attending the parade ceremony grows each year, and this is good to see.
2nd Lieutenant Pat Landals
204 Black Maria Squadron
Kamloops