Remembrance Day is exactly one week from today. Besides getting your poppy to wear please don’t make the focus of November 11th you trying to figure out what businesses will be open and when, if you have the day off, should you get groceries before then and if your hairdresser has an opening if you’re not working.
For many years I have been instilling in my two children the importance of Remembrance Day. Why we have it and what it means. Sharing the story of my family veteran – my Grandfather. I’m sure or at least I hope you have been doing the same if you have children and the legacy of a family vet.
Remembrance Day marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918.
My Grandfather, Private Robert Frost, battled and lived through the horrors of the First World War. He lied about being of age to enlist. He wanted to serve his country. He did it for us. They all did. Without knowing it he and millions of others helped shape the world we have today. How different would it be today if he and the others had not ‘stepped up’ to take the lead to help others.
At the young age of 17, my Grandfather was a part of the 122nd Overseas Battalion who were on the battlefield in England and France in 1916. At some point during the war he was wounded – shrapnel in his leg and was eventually sent home to Canada. He was one of the fortunate ones who survived but would live until his passing with the terrible memories of that bleak time…..what he endured….what he saw.
My Grandfather never talked much about his time overseas preferring instead to attend the Cenotaph in Geraldton every year during Remembrance Day to remember and honor those who served and those who never made it home. I will always remember seeing the tears streaming down his cheeks every November 11th at the Cenotaph.
He gave up so much as did the others so we could have what we have today. Millions during the wars paid the ultimate price of losing their lives.
Sacrifice. They did it for you. That’s right. You. Is that hard to understand? Perhaps it is. It’s been a long time for many of us since one of our relatives was enlisted and in battle. And that leads to part of the problem. We forget….and we shouldn’t. We need to remember. We need to honor those who gave and are giving today so much of themselves for us. Find and talk to an active military member. Ask them why. Why did they enlist? Listen to their reasons and remember. Thank them. They are making a difference. It’s not an ordinary job or career. It really isn’t. They are making a sacrifice to protect and honor. Hopefully they never pay the ultimate price. Remember to share an active military member’s reasons for doing what they do…with others – especially the younger generations – the children.
After my Grandfather’s passing many years ago I received the ultimate honor of being the keeper of his service medals from World War One. As my 2 daughters grew up, year after year I would bring the medals and photos out of safe storage to talk with the girls about the importance of November 11th and the legacy of my Grandfather….their Great Grandfather.
We are living in such an extraordinary time. Battling an enemy we can’t even see. Taking precautions to protect others and ourselves. A world, this time, united in the fight against COVID-19. Sacrifices are being made by many – perhaps you’ve given up your daily swim in the community pool, not being able to congregate in large numbers at the local arena to watch your favourite hockey team or skipping out on meeting all of your friends at your favourite coffee shop. It’s horrible isn’t it? Just to stay….‘safe’.
Many of our sacrifices today to stay ‘safe’ are trivial (except for those in the medical field) in comparison to those who gave the most that one can ever give. Life.
So stop. Take the time now, next week and whenever else you can.
Remember, Respect And Honour.
November 11th.
Lest We Forget
