Remembrance

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When we don our poppies on Saturday, I wonder what will we remember?


I have no personal experience of war. Except through the lens of others. In her later years my grandmother, who lived with us and whose bedroom was next to mine, would cry out at night for her brother Theo McCoubrey who was killed in WW1.


On a shelf in our home on Chickadee Lane sits a picture of David’s Uncle Roland Sterling dressed in his Air Force uniform. Roland was killed in WW11 in a mid air collision while training to be a Royal Air Force Navigator. (UK) 


Then there are the media pictures and haunting tragic stories of the present day Israel-Hamas war and Russia-Ukraine war.. These scenes enter our living rooms and hearts and fill my senses with deep sadness and anger that war continues. How have we not found a better way?


I have neighbour’s and friends who served more recently. I see the PTSD that lingers. For me, the slam of a screen door brings happy thoughts of summer. For many that same sound sparks a memory of trauma. 


If you sit and listen you will hear stories of how many went off to war with a sense of adventure, without a clue of the horror they would experience nor the price many would pay. 


Stories of WW11 tell of the young women who left their families to go work in factories for the war effort.


Stories tell us of those who came back from war with wounds only their children would see as they suffered in silence. Their lives forever changed.


On Saturday communities will gather at Cenotaphs across the country. In silence we will stand in the November cold as wreaths of remembrance and gratitude are presented.


We will to pay tribute to members of the Canadian Armed Forces who live on in our memory, who have served our country, showing selflessness and courage as they fought for democracy and human rights for all. 


We will pray, sing, remember and give thanks. 


At our local Legion, where I serve as Chaplain, you will be invited to pray in whatever way your faith tradition celebrates prayer. 


Also to those who, for whatever reason, are not disposed to pray, you will be invited to use the time for silent personal reflection.


We will give thanks for those who believed that the world could be a better place.


We will grieve the lives of veterans who died in service. 


We will give thanks for those who continue to serve our country in the Canadian Armed Forces. 


We will give thanks for those who were once enemies and who now have become friends and allies.


Then personally, once the wreaths are laid, may we find the courage to address our own fears, be they known or unknown. May we be agents of a just peace in all we think, say and do. For as we often sing, "Let peace begin with me."


What will you remember?

In Peace,


Elizabeth


elizstevenson@gmail.com

506-650-4812

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 8, 2023 at 10:56 PM

    So well said and so sad that these wars continue today. Power, Control and Greed and no consideration of the suffering and loss of lives. May all this corruption cease! Wonderful thoughts Elizabeth! Grace

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 9, 2023 at 6:31 AM

    Amen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wendy bairdNovember 9, 2023 at 9:17 AM

    You always give me lots to think about Elizabeth. So well written and capture a lot of good thoughts for us to remember and be grateful for.

    On a lighter note, I remember my grandmother telling that when WWI ended on Nov 11, 1918 everyone who had cars had them decorated with flags etc. and a great celebration. Mum liked to mention that when she was born on Nov 12, 1918 the car was still decorated when my grandfather took my grandmother to the hospital for my mother’s birth. A great celebration all around.

    Mum used to tell stories about all the high school boys sent off to war and how many never returned. Hard to believe what that must have been like for them all. Thank God I live in NB Canada with all the good things that I benefit from because so many in the Armed Forces and Navy made it so.




    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneNovember 15, 2023 at 8:32 AM

      Thank you Wendy for sharing your family story of celebration that war had ceased. I always appreciate your comments.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousNovember 9, 2023 at 3:43 PM

    Thank you for another thoughful message. We have much to be grateful for as we remember those who sacrificed so much so we could have freedom. EMcQ.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 14, 2023 at 11:35 PM

    Thank you, Elizabeth. I wish I had read this before Remembrance Day so I could have shared it. If I can remember 😉, I will share it next year. Prompts are always welcome.😉I AM copying it to my NOTES.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneNovember 15, 2023 at 8:34 AM

      You are most welcome Anonymous. Could you forward your name and an a reminder may be possible?

      Delete

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