Do You Remember
Remembrance Day has always been a special day for me. I have early memories of making the short walk around the corner and down Church St. to the Cenotaph. Dad instilled a real sense of importance to the day and in my mid-teens I became aware of a big reason why. His grandfather, my great grandfather,William Pacey fought in The Great War and died at Grevillers March 27, 1918 during the last German offensive of the war. He was part of the force that stopped it. He fought for New Zealand as a member of the ANZACs. He was 25 at the time and my grandfather, Desmond, was less than a year old. It's difficult to comprehend; I have now lived longer then he lived. He left his family on the other side of the world to go and fight for King and Commonwealth. 
I read today that there are three(3) Canadian World War I vets still living. The youngest one is 105. Each year the numbers of veterans marching down Queen St. after the ceremony drops. This year it seemed there were far more veterans in buses than there were in formation. The veterans of the World Wars will not be with us much longer (the very youngest of the WWII vets would be at least 80) but they will soon be replaced by the veterans of current conflicts. These men and women deserve the same respect that is given to the vets of the World Wars.
It's important not to mistake remembrance with politics or debate with a lack of support. Debate should never be stifled and by the same token neither should remembrance and respect.
Pace out
PS - I am currently planning a trip to the World Cup of rugby in France next fall so hopefully, by this time next year, I will have had the chance to visit Vimy Ridge and my great-grandfather's grave in Grevilliers. That will be something.
Labels: Rememberence Day
posted by Vitamin S @ 7:07 p.m.
2 Comments:
Great Post Si - and an excellent point.
No matter the politics, those are still men and women fighting for the countries they represent and that deserves all the respect and rememberance in the world.
I'm sure you're Great Grandfather would be proud of the life you've led.
Simon I would like to second that emotion!
As you know I get very emotional at this time of year and I totally agree with your sentiments.
Only a few short years ago I was moved to write a letter to the editor of the Gleaner pointing out that people stopped clapping after the Vets passed by in the parade and failed to clap for our present forces who lay their lives on the line for us today. I am happy to see that this changed the following year and ever since.
I love you and I am very proud to call you "son" and I know that likewise Desmond and his father Rifleman William would be equally proud of the man you are!
I am so excited by the prospect of our pilgrimage to the Somme and Greveillers in France next year. love Dad
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