We Will Remember Them

 During this Veterans’ Week which leads to Remembrance Day on

November 11^th, we are called to take time to remember the battles, conflicts and wars of the past and to never forget the sacrifice of others so that we can live in peace. “On the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month when the guns fell silent, we will remember.” This is our call to remember when peace was declared ending World War I. But we also remember the other battles and wars with many casualties whose bodies are now buried in foreign lands. We are also reminded that Canada has been involved in many missions focusing not on war but on peacemaking and peacekeeping. But how often we forget these men and women who although striving to gain peace for the nations where they served, died in faithful service.

                Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  John 15:13

As we reflect on the thousands who have done this for the sake of our living in freedom and peace we need to stop and say thank you.  Veterans who served  need to be appreciated for their efforts no matter how big or small for what they have done is to give of themselves without counting the cost. How often do we look in the mirror and wonder if we could have done the same? Would we leave the home we love, with family and friends all around us to fight an enemy who was not seen but was present nonetheless on battlefields and burial grounds in many countries? Would we be able to show our love and care for others as we seek what is right and just?

                As we hear the trumpet call “The Last Post” we keep silence for a few minutes in order to experience the wind, the songs of nature and the echoing heartbeats of those beside us beating as we live in hope. For this moment all are silent, all are praying and praising God for peace. Then we hear these words:

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.  We will remember them.”

These are the words of remembrance first written by Laurence Binyon which was first published in The Times in September 1914.  This is the fourth stanza of the poem “For the Fallen” and has been claimed as a tribute to all casualties of war, regardless of state. And it is these words which tug at our hearts our feelings to remember those whose gravesites are marked by white crosses, poppies in spring or have a Canadian flag upon them this week in gratitude and thanksgiving.

                Just how do you remember? One simple way is to wear a poppy and support the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion as they continue to support veterans and their families in these times.  May we never forget the sacrifice of others. Lest we forget. Let us pray:

PRAYER

God we praise you for those who gave their lives for the sake of others. Help us to honour them as we have freedom to gather and remember. Bless them in your heavenly realm and comfort those who remember these men and women with love and respect.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.