We Will Remember Them

 

Remembrance November 10, 2021

We will remember them.

                These are the words spoken as part of the Traditional
Act of Remembrance, which will be enacted across the country on November 11. But who and what are we remembering?

                People will respond to this by saying those men and women who fought and died on foreign lands in order to maintain and save our way of living. What about the many who fought and were wounded or returned home with invisible wounds? Are we remembering them and honouring them as well?

                As the trumpet plays “The Last Post” hearts become heavy when we recall the many who have served, died and left many grieving.  For many years this Act of Remembrance has called us together as a country and we do so out of gratitude because of the lives we are now able to lead. Those who served did so, for the purpose of caring for the futures of the next generation. They had no idea if they would be the parents of that generation, but through time, some did, many did not.

                Songs of lament or grief are often shared at Remembrance Services to remind us that this is not a time of celebration and joy; but a time of mourning the losses endured by Canada as a whole throughout its history. Men and women left the country on an adventure, but instead of seeing the sights of foreign lands, they became a part of the world history and the casualty count.

                Remembrance Day is significant as we need to continue to support our troops, to encourage those who are willing to serve and to be thankful that they need. Wearing a poppy is a visible sign of your support of veterans who served in the past and those serving today. It is also important to show you are willing to listen and learn. For many of us cannot remember, so we must think. Let us remember this as we reflect on the words by John McCrae: “In Flanders Fields”.

PRAYER

God of love we give thanks for those men and women who gave their lives for the sake of others. Help us to honour them and remember them with hope for the future. May peace prevail on earth. Amen.