We Will Not Forget
November 01, 2010
In 1899, Canadian soldiers left for war in South Africa. Their sacrifices, immortalized in bronze at the gates of old Quebec, set the standard of service by Canadians in the interest of international peace. Canada was born into the world of nations from respect gained for the bravery and commitment of the members of Canada’s armed forces. In 1917, the valiant efforts of 100,000 Canadians defeated the Germans at Vimy Ridge, in France. In 1943, in Ortona, Italy, Canadians engaged in hand-to-hand, building-by-building, street-by-street combat, defeating the Germans in what is known as the “Stalingrad of Italy.” Almost sixty years ago, during the Korean War, 30,000 Canadian soldiers distinguished themselves with their brave service under severe conditions. Today our troops from Canada continue to distinguish themselves in Afghanistan, to the point of a presidential citation for one unit.However, the price tag of peace in this violent century has been war, and has been so very high, with 110,000 Canadian war dead. We must learn from the harsh truths of wars past so that we do not repeat humanity's mistakes.
The poppy was seen as a symbol of earthly life, until a day in Flanders, when from the fields of war, Lt. Col. John McCrae penned verse of remembrance for Canada's war dead. He spoke for all who have faced their soul in the finality of the theatre of war, whether Korea, the two World Wars, the Gulf or Afghanistan. He could well be speaking of all brave men who have soldiered the world for Canadian beliefs. His words, carved on the walls of the House of Commons, strongly speak to the need for memory and respect, always.
“If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep.”
For our war veterans and remembered war dead, we pause on November 11 to give our respect. We will not forget.