Editorials
November 06, 2008 12:27 AM
For many of us, war is something that happens half-way across the world in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan or some endlessly strife-torn African country.
To the degree Canadian soldiers ever find themselves smack in the middle of such wars, one has to assume they joined the military as a matter of personal choice. Perhaps they are drawn by a sense of adventure, want to build a career or believe this is how they can best make a difference.
It is hard for us to imagine what it must have been like for the more than 600,000 Canadians who volunteered to fight overseas in the First World War, more than a million men and women who served in combat in the Second World War and nearly 27,000 who did battle in Korea.
For the massive numbers of Canadians who left home to fight in those epic conflicts, it was a fundamental, core duty. They believed the future of our country and the world was in their hands. There was no choice but to lay their lives on the line.
Those who came back were changed in one way or another. Many never came back at all. More than 69,000 Canadians died in the First World War, more than 47,000 in the Second World War and 516 in Korea. Those numbers, of lives lost and families left grieving, are difficult for us to comprehend. In fact, the whole concept of fighting in the Great Wars now seems so remote and distant it is difficult to relate to. It is easy to regard it as having little bearing on our busy, day-to-day lives.
That is exactly the reason it is crucial to take time to pause and remember, on Remembrance Day on Tuesday, the selflessness, sacrifice and courage of all Canadians who have taken up arms for us in those wars, and as peacekeepers in recent times.
For their ultimate sacrifice and bravery, the least that can be done is to honour and remember them once a year on Nov. 11.
In Stouffville, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 459 keeps the memory of our veterans alive for us.
Nov. 11 services begin at 10:45 a.m. at the cenotaph next to the Legion on the Ninth Line. Branch representatives, politicians and service club and youth group members take part in the laying of wreaths.
A smaller service will be held this Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Stouffville Cemetery, Tenth Line south of Main Street.
You can also express appreciation to those in the Canadian Forces at
www.forces.gc.ca. Just follow the link called Write to the Troops.