Remembrance Day 2010

[charlene]

LEST WE FORGET.

In these times of trial and uncertainty
I have thought what does this freedom mean to me
Is it just some long forgotten fantasy
Our love for each other may not be explained
We live in a world where tears must fall like rain
Most of us don't wish to cause each other pain

We have been captured by the thieves of the night
Held for ransom if you please
Heaven help the devil may he have a few unpleasant memories

To every unsung hero in the universe
To those who roam the skies and those who roam the earth
To all good men of reason may they never thirst
We have wings to guide us through the timeless sea
And faith that will remain through all eternity
We try to be helpful to the ones in need

[jj]

Re: Title: Remembrance Day 2011

hey, it's still 2010...they said to set clocks back, not your calendar forward, LOL

was at this ceremony in Trenton...a picture cannot really convey the grief experienced

there are not enough words to truly express the thanks warranted for the sacrifices of the fallen and wounded (and their families) this past century

j

[redhead]

What great lyrics to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for their country.

Another one that comes to mind is PROTOCOL. Whenever it pops up on my playlist, the gravity of the message coupled with that haunting musical arrangement hits me like it never did when I began listening to it as teenager.

redhead

[charlene]

back to 2010..lol
Age related sleep deprivation...I need a nap..
lol
Leaves of Grass, Lost Children, Sit Down Young Stranger..- all profound to read/listen to today.

Remember to remember..thank a veteran.

[jj]

i never thought of that one, redhead, thanks...char listed a few others in another thread...early this week, summerside of life was also mentioned

some of the many other tunes i take in are Christmas in the Trenches (YouTube - Christmas In The Trenches...too bad all couldn't pretend everyday was Christmas ) and this gem:

http://www.cbc.ca/remember/


...

[redhead]

Char:

Apparently, you aren't the only one who is sleep deprived -- I didn't even notice that you referenced 2011 until you pointed it out!

redhead

[jj]

i wrote a cheque the other day, putting 2009 on it...so it all even out, lol

char, you must have had Nov "11" on the mind...you need a 'second cup of coffee'

[Yuri]

"The war to end all wars"...and every other one before and after....
Sadly, we humans never learn. I'm forever grateful we live in countries where freedom reigns and where soldiers do not have to be conscripted to protect our rights and freedoms...
How do you thank someone who has made the ultimate sacrifice, or is prepared to do so?
Never let their memory fade...

[jj]

YouTube - RMR: Rick's Rant - Remember to Remember

[Jim Nasium]

Come November 11 each year my mind wanders to "Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori"

Written by a brave soldier during WW1 who was killed 6 or so days before the end of that war.

[charlene]

Originally Posted by jj

i wrote a cheque the other day, putting 2009 on it...so it all even out, lol

char, you must have had Nov "11" on the mind...you need a 'second cup of coffee'

I think that's it James...that and a long distance/wrong number call at 4:45 a.m. make an old gal tired..
lol
(add in two toddlers/10 hours a day and well...zzzz ..oh sorry..nodded off there..)

lovely large crowd in Ottawa - beautiful day there too.
I hate seeing the veterans standing in the freezing cold/rain/snow..they are so stoic, faces of strength and pride yet so much sorrow, remembering their buddies.

[jj]

Originally Posted by Jim Nasium

Come November 11 each year my mind wanders to "Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori"

Written by a brave soldier during WW1 who was killed 6 or so days before the end of that war.

i will have to check that out, jim...thanks

speaking of writings, McCrae (In Flanders Fields) house museum has been having events all week...it's a short drive from here

YouTube - John McCrae in Flanders Fields

1915 by John McCrae:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

[charlene]

love these old b&w photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dflack/

[jj]

Originally Posted by charlene

love these old b&w photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dflack/

and the new colour ones (but do hate the reason they make headlines)

...so young

as i watched the ceremony on tv from our top floor, i could see the vehicles on 401 zooming by right at 11...what a contrast to the silence in Ottawa...what could be so important that one couldn't schedule their travels and work breaks around this one minute per year? oh well, time=money, eh

we are donating family fonds next week to archives or Canada and Ontario, many b+w's from the 30s to 50's...i will be scanning negatives like mad this week

note: if you look up Gilbert Milne you will find some wonderful shots from his fonds...he took these right amidst battles during WW2...a wonder he survived http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi..._Normandie.jpg

[charlene]

first time in Canadian history we've not had a World War 1 veteran - they've all passed on...

[T.G.]

http://www.lexrex.com/enlightened/ar...risaracket.htm

War Is a Racket
Written by Two-Time Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Major General Smedley D. Butler
USMC, Retired

CHAPTER ONE

WAR is a racket. It always has been.

It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives ... (continued)

[Yuri]

War is a racket? Perhaps these days he as a point but I wouldn't want to tell that to an Auschwitz, Birkenau-Belsen, or surviving member of some other 'Racket Club'....

[timetraveler]

Originally Posted by jj

Re: Title: Remembrance Day 2011

hey, it's still 2010...they said to set clocks back, not your calendar forward, LOL

was at this ceremony in Trenton...a picture cannot really convey the grief experienced

there are not enough words to truly express the thanks warranted for the sacrifices of the fallen and wounded (and their families) this past century

j

I myself am no fan of war. However, I do understand the necessity of it. When I see the ones who went off to do what was aked of them by their nations, come home from the fight, I just want to go up to these good souls & hug them all & say "Thank You so very much" for doing what you've done in an effort to preserve my right to live my life as I see fit. So thank you, one & all, you wonderful young people for doing what you've done for me.

[redhead]

I was at this ceremony in Trenton...a picture cannot really convey
the grief experienced

there are not enough words to truly express the thanks warranted for the
sacrifices of the fallen and wounded (and their families) this past century

jj

jj:

You were present at the site in Trenton where these young soldiers were being carried off of the plane? I can't imagine a more heartbreaking thing to witness.

Last Friday, a young man from my home town was killed in Afghanistan. This morning, the funeral procession rode past my home and throughout the day, I kept thinking about the agony his poor family must be going through.

Were you just visiting the site out of respect for these fallen heroes or were you in the unenviable position of having to take a friend or family member to their final resting place?

By the way, you play the piano beautifully.

redhead

[jj]

Originally Posted by redhead

[code][I]

Last Friday, a young man from my home town was killed in Afghanistan. This morning, the funeral procession rode past my home

thanks for your very kind words, redhead...i think i enjoy figuring em out more than playing them...somehow therapeutic

that must have been quite a sight and sound of silence...i heard they now allow showing of US soldiers returning home...anyone, expand on that? is what you saw an example of this OR was that a private funeral/small town procession? i'm sure it's a sensitive subject...it's unfortunate to read bickering going on amongst youtube commenters following such a moving video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckfXr1EHO9U&feature=related

we've family over on the peacekeeping mission but fortunately have not lost loved ones...my timing has allowed me to be in Trenton and on the 401 HOH for several repatriation 'days' (seems to be usually on Tuesdays)...that ceremony for the first 4 soldiers killed (friendly US fire) was so sad at Trenton but it was somehow euphoric when the Highway of Heroes journey gained momentum...it's hard enough on the vision to be driving west into the sun, but add glassy eyes and at times it seemed like some should be pulling off the road, especially after pass by the overpasses...we've had a few threads elaborating on so i'll not rehash but the one vision i still recall seeing a lone guy with flag standing on the bridge one freezing cold, windy winter's day...he was there hours before the procession was to begin...i felt like i should have taken the off ramp, buy him a jumbo coffee, shake his hand and ask that he relay my sincere thanks and respects to the family of the fallen when they eventually made their way by in the motorcade

cheers,
jj (redhead...check that, former redhead...lol)

[RM]

Originally Posted by jj

i heard they now allow showing of US soldiers returning home...anyone, expand on that?

This the last I've heard....

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/9144

[jj]

thanks, rm

some more on it (however still not very recent):


YouTube - First Publicly Witnessed US Soldier Repatriation Since 1991 (very moving)


YouTube - Media Covers Return of Fallen U.S. Soldier

wonder what route is taken from that point and if in urban or rural setting...

[redhead]

is what you saw an example of this OR was that a private funeral/small town procession?

It was a private funeral. That morning, the students at my daughter's school stood outside in tribute as the lengthy procession crawled past the front of the building.

I followed the link you provided and you're right, it was tough to watch. I didn't bother reading any of the comments that were posted; the video speaks for itself.

I don't know how a family recovers from a loss like this. My guess is that they never really do.

Here's wishing your family members a safe return from their peacekeeping mission.

redhead

[jj]

thank you, red (are we on a first name basis? lol)...i look forward to 2014

very touching...a private funeral, eh...even though they show some public media footage when US planes arrive, sounds like there is still no public procession...maybe it's in the midst of nowhere...i suppose it's also not 'practical' to be having several thousand public processions, besides some families may appreciative the public support but would rather grieve in private...there have been likely over hundred final journeys from Trenton to downtown Toronto for the 150+ Canadians who have lost their lives...i hope the wounded and mentally affected receive proper public, healthcare and financial support going forward

that one link didnt light up but it was the one that pretty much had some birds eye views of my experiences the past 8 years...there is somehow euphoria (celebration of life) blended in all that grief...when someone beside me said that 3 of the first 4 soldiers killed were recently engaged, i felt very empty

YouTube - HIGHWAY OF HEROES CANADIAN...

i like check find out where the cenotaph is whenever i visit a new town, some are secluded which is nice but others are amidst chaos, however still somehow soothing


i've put my poppy away but not my gratitude... have a good week and safe travels to Americans returning home from visits with their loved (and/or despised) ones