Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day.

The one day a year we dedicate to those who have fought generation after generation for the things we take for granted the most. Our freedom. Our rights. Our simple daily privileges. Men and women who lost their lives. Soldiers who came home different people than those loved and sent out.

I recently listened to part of a radio show, the question being asked, "Do YOU honor Remembrance Day?" And it made me think, do I?

Around me I have snippits of things constantly reminding me of the wars fought, those still raging. A girlfriend who lived close by for nearly a year because her husband was deployed and she had a newborn. Hearing of the hardships of another friend who's husband came back a stranger. One who's husband has never seen the front lines, but lives daily with the possibility that next week it could be his turn now that's he's done school.

Even as a child I had things that told me a tale. A Grandfather who played the bagpipes in parades with the marching veterans. And the faded blue colouring book-like lines I would trace over and over on the forearms of my great grandfather. At the time I didn't know they were anchors and told of a young man who lied about his age to join the English Navy.

During this radio show I listened to someone voiced a concern, "What will we do when all the veterans die? Who will remind us to remember than?" Somewhere in our minds we see veterans as the old men in wheelchairs and walkers, somber as they place the wreath in front of us during ceremonies, and though they are a part of this distinct group in our countries they aren't the only ones who bear the title.

There is a war going on right now. Right now we have brave soldiers in so many branches of the armed forces continuing a legacy those before them created. They are our newest veterans; not old, not silver haired, not wrinkled, yet still veterans.

For a long time I wore a poppy all year round because of the meaning I found in the little red plastic flower but let's face it, they aren't very pretty. To remedy this I decided this year that the only thing I could do was to make one that wasn't an eye sore. My husband's red t-shirt just about got slashed in support of this whim but was saved at the last second by a friend's donation of red fabric.

This picture does it no justice whatsoever, but you get the idea. This pin won't be thrown to side when Remembrance Day fades from our memories until next year, and the bearer of the red fabric has one for herself as well, it was the least I could do.

I've been wearing it for days now and I am glad for this reminder that someone gave much for what I have. I am grateful to these individuals and their selflessness, their sense of a greater good. Someone has to step up and look the battle right in the eyes while risking their lives for people they may never meet, and we've got great people doing it.

This Remembrance Day don't be one of those who forgets.