Remembering Canada's sacrifices

[capricorn]

On the eve of another Remembrance Day, it's difficult to ignore the sacrifices that Canada continues to make in the unending quest for a better world.

Some say we are too militarized. Yet, without a strong military, how are we to answer the call when we can make a difference for the betterment of our fellow human beings far from our shores.

We are a small country yet Canada have done much in the past to defend freedom and we continue to rise above expectations as we do today in Afghanistan.

Some of you may be aware of this tribute written about Canada in 2002 after we lost 4 soldiers in an unfortunate and costly "friendly fire" incident. It bears repeating and we should be proud of our legacy. Here is an excerpt of what was written about Canada by Kevin Myers of the Daily Telegraph back then titled "The Country the World Forgot - Again":

UNTIL the deaths last week of four Canadian soldiers accidentally killed by a US warplane in Afghanistan, probably almost no one outside their home country had been aware that Canadian troops were deployed in the region. And as always, Canada will now bury its dead, just as the rest of the world as always will forget its sacrifice, just as it always forgets nearly everything Canada ever does.

It seems that Canada's historic mission is to come to the selfless aid both of its friends and of complete strangers, and then, once the crisis is over, to be well and truly ignored. Canada is the perpetual wallflower that stands on the edge of the hall, waiting for someone to come and ask her for a dance. A fire breaks out, she risks life and limb to rescue her fellow dance-goers, and suffers serious injuries. But when the hall is repaired and the dancing resumes, there is Canada, the wallflower still, while those she once helped glamorously cavort across the floor, blithely neglecting her yet again.

That is the price which Canada pays for sharing the North American Continent with the US, and for being a selfless friend of Britain in two global conflicts. For much of the 20th century, Canada was torn in two different directions: it seemed to be a part of the old world, yet had an address in the new one, and that divided identity ensured that it never fully got the gratitude it deserved.

Yet its purely voluntary contribution to the cause of freedom in two world wars was perhaps the greatest of any democracy. Almost 10 per cent of Canada's entire population of seven million people served in the armed forces during the First World War, and nearly 60,000 died. The great Allied victories of 1918 were spearheaded by Canadian troops, perhaps the most capable soldiers in the entire British order of battle.

Read the rest here:

http://www.uni.ca/country_forget.html

Lest we forget.

[Moxie]

Tomorrow I shall brave the snow and wind and attend an outdoor service, I never miss a Rememberance Day service. Lest we forget, we haven't but Europe has.

In Canada we have Black History Month, we have Gay Pride Week, we have Aboriginal Day and International Womens' Day and we only dedicate one day to those who gave so much. That's shameful. The generation that came after the Veterans should be ashamed of their apathy.

[capricorn]

Tomorrow I shall brave the snow and wind and attend an outdoor service, I never miss a Rememberance Day service.

You're my hero.

we only dedicate one day to those who gave so much. That's shameful.

And after November 11 comes and goes, our veterans are forgotten except for the tireless volunteers who care for them throughout the year.

The generation that came after the Veterans should be ashamed of their apathy.

There's a fresh batch of veterans resulting from peacekeeping missions to the Afghan mission. After they have given so much in the service of their country, one can only hope they and their families are treated well.

[Moxie]

Yea I know Capricorn, my husband served in Bosnia and Croatia-two tours. He was lucky he came back sane, a friend came back broken and he aged forty years suffering from TB. He was suffering so badly, I watched him go into the black hole of PTSS daily. Thankfully he sought help before it was to late. He was a founding member of those that help those suffering from PTSS (Post Tramatic Shock Syndrome.) Tomorrow will be a day for me to reflect and remember and honour those dear Elderly Men who gave so much. As well as those who served after them, never again? I wish that were true but I don't think it shall happen.

[capricorn]

Please pass on my gratitude to your husband for his service to Canada. And thank you too for being there for him. I am sorry to hear what happened to your friend and glad he's doing better.

My father served the full length of WWII overseas and at the front lines. The war left him a broken man, physically and psychologically. Back then there was no help for these soldiers. That's why today I applaud everything our government does to improve the lives of vets and their families. It's high time.

[RedDaVinci]

On the eve of another Remembrance Day, it's difficult to ignore the sacrifices that Canada continues to make in the unending quest for a better world.

History Television is a staple of this family's viewing habits in November.

Some say we are too militarized. Yet, without a strong military, how are we to answer the call when we can make a difference for the betterment of our fellow human beings far from our shores.

This is a tricky issue. Wars can only occur if one side has an army to begin with, and if we develop a defensive attitude, we feel that we must build up a military. Ideally, a concordance of nations... maybe if nations participated more in the UN... would agree to a gradual disarmament. Maybe one day... but for now we're just going to have to send more of our boys to fight another war over something just as stupid as before.

We are a small country yet Canada have done much in the past to defend freedom and we continue to rise above expectations as we do today in Afghanistan.

I'm proud of the Canadian army and its reputation of ingenuity and ability to overcome seemingly unbeatable odds.

Some of you may be aware of this tribute written about Canada in 2002 after we lost 4 soldiers in an unfortunate and costly "friendly fire" incident.

I'm not an advocate of any war, and especially not an advocate of this war. I pray the world will come to its senses and stop fighting another pointless war.

World War One... the Great War... was the first war to significantly put to use modern weapons, and the effects were utterly devastating. That's why they called it the War to End All Wars. It started after the assassination of a throne heir after a massive build-up of tensions and rigid alliance division. It was a long, tiring, wasteful and pointless war of attrition that crippled Europe, especially Germany, which arguably begot the Second World War.

World War Two was officially ended shortly after the most devastating weapon conceivable was used to level two entire Japanese cities. After a young army runner had lived all of his life in a nation crippled by a pointless war, he became bitter and hateful. He went mad, and took the whole of Germany with him. The frightened west waited until his aggression took a step to far. Genocide and countless deaths ensued. Japan joined in the fight. Then America. It was also a long, tiring and pointless war that crippled the world once more.

The Cold War was an unofficial and pointless bout of empty threats and childish behaviour that lasted roughly half a century. Both sides were of opposing ideologies, each disgustingly self-righteous-- their citizens, mostly sheep to the whims of their leaders through lies, propaganda, hate-mongering and especially unwarranted fear of the other side. Bombs many times more powerful than the ones that ended the Second World War were at the ready. The entire planet appeared to be on the brink of becoming an inhabitable wasteland. It was another pointless war that had everybody shitting their pants for good reason, and hating their human brothers and sisters on the other side of the world because of a couple of stupid, paranoid, childish and hateful men who disagreed... and had guns. Very, very big guns.

[capricorn]

Thanks for your thoughts RDV. I don't particularly agree with your analysis of the merits of the conflicts you enumerate. Yet, this one comment you made resonates with the spirit of Remembrance Day.

I'm proud of the Canadian army and its reputation of ingenuity and ability to overcome seemingly unbeatable odds.

Well said.

[jbg]

Tomorrow I shall brave the snow and wind and attend an outdoor service, I never miss a Rememberance Day service. Lest we forget, we haven't but Europe has.

Oh, I forgot, didn't we do all that for Europe? [/sarcasm]

Seriously, though, our American hats off to Canada's great military. They were disciplined and deadly effective. I would not have wanted to be among German forces fighting Canadian units.

Edited November 11, 2007 by jbg

[jbg]

I'm proud of the Canadian army and its reputation of ingenuity and ability to overcome seemingly unbeatable odds.

Strongly agree.

I'm not an advocate of any war, and especially not an advocate of this war. I pray the world will come to its senses and stop fighting another pointless war.

Strongly disagree. The bad actors of the world will not be deterred by reason, sweetness and light, and logic. They understand one thing; force.

[Smallc]

I never miss the national act of Remembrance. I find that to me, Remembrance Day is among the most special of days. It is a day to remember, a day to make sure that the sacrifice of so many is never forgotten.

[DogOnPorch]

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?

Only the monstrous anger of the guns.

Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle

Can patter out their hasty orisons.

No mockeries for them from prayers or bells,

Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—

The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;

And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?

Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes

Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes.

The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;

Their flowers the tenderness of silent maids,

And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

---Wilfred Owen

I'll be at my city's cenotaph for the services there.

Least We Forget...

------------------------------------------------

Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people.

---

[jbg]

This post is not my "work". It was imported from www.rightnation.us, but in view of its commemorative nature I do not think it's "cross-posting" will be condemned (flashback feature does not work into another Board so here is working link to post):

John Babcock, Canada's only living First World War veteran, holds up a photo from the war with his wife, Dorothy, at their Spokane, Wash., home, July 18. (Larry MacDougal/Canadian Press) In Depth

Remembrance Day

The last soldier standing

John Babcock: Canada's only surviving First World War veteran

Last Updated November 1, 2007

CBC News

When John Babcock celebrated his 107th birthday in July, he received greetings from around the world. The Queen sent a letter of congratulations; Prime Minister Stephen Harper gave him a tie decorated with red poppies.

They were small tokens of appreciation for the man believed to be the last surviving Canadian veteran of the First World War after the May death of 106-year-old Percy Wilson.

Canada's only living First World War veteran, John Babcock, licks icing from his fingers as his wife Dorothy, 78, cuts him a piece of birthday cake at their home in Spokane, Wash., July 18. (Larry MacDougal/Canadian Press) Basking in the glow of all the birthday attention and visitors at his home in Spokane, Wash., his wife Dorothy at his side, Babcock spoke with his usual candour.

"I know I'm going to die some day, so what the hell," he told the Canadian Press. "I try to live a good, clean life and I have a good wife who helps me." Yet despite his humility, Babcock has a unique place in Canadian history.

Almost 600,000 Canadians served, and more than 200,000 were killed or wounded, in the First World War. In many ways, the identity of the young country was forged on the bloody battlefields such as Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele and the Somme. Babcock, born on an Ontario farm in 1900, enlisted to join the fray at the tender age of 15. He lied about his age to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Sydenham, Ont., and arrived in England a few months later.

The truth about his age caught up to him. So in August 1917, Babcock was sent to the Boys Battalion — 1,300 young soldiers training until they were old enough to fight the Germans.

But peace came first — the war ended a few months after Babcock's 18th birthday. He never saw front-line action.

After almost 90 years, he still regrets being a "tin soldier" who didn't see combat.

"I think if I had a chance, I would have gone to France, taken my chances like the rest of them did," he said. "A lot of good men got killed."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/remembra...bcock-john.html

I am editing to add my reply over there (link):

You know, james t kirk, I rarely agree with you. I found this post interesting and appropriate enough that I copied it, with full credit, here (link). While I am not Canadian, I do think that Canada's contributions to the war efforts in WW I, WW II and Korea were disproportionate. This is a brave country that has often punched above its weight. It also shares with the US the vital attirbutes of valuing freedom and being willing to fight for it, even when not directly endangered. They definitely deserve plaudits for their efforts in Afghanistan as well.

Edited November 11, 2007 by jbg

[Guest American Woman]

We remember Canadians' sacrifices along with our own this Rememberance Day/Veteran's Day weekend. We're all very fortunate to live where we do, and owe a big thanks to those who have made our good lives possible.

Thanks to all who have served, and those who have served and all no longer with us are in our hearts.

Edited November 11, 2007 by American Woman

[Fortunata]

Weaponeer, ArmyGuy:

Thanks to you, to your fellows-in-arms; to those who preceded you and to those who will follow.

We remember, we appreciate and we honour you.

[RedDaVinci]

Most of my extended relations who were in their teens during World War II incidentally were conscripted to fight for the Italian Fascists. To this day, "Grandpa Vinci" tells us his heroing tale of how he shot one of his officers as he escaped back to his rural village of Ururi, in Campobasso.

[Moxie]

I always find Rememberance Day Painful, I suppose that's a good thing.

Thanks for your kind words Cap, I'm still shivering from the snow and wind.

I was watching the History Channel a few hours ago and they did a story about a Quebec Vandoo who captured an entire town alone, he told the German Officer in charge that the Canadians had the town surrounded. He then spent the evening using granades and gun fire to make it appear as if a battle was waging. He entered the town the next morning and the Germans had fled. What a lovely man, no one died and he used his Canadian Sense of humour to Liberate a City. WOW.

[capricorn]

Apparently, this was the biggest crowd yet in Ottawa for the national Remembrance ceremonies, Thirty thousand they said. Last year they had one large screen. This year they added a scond one because of the larger crowds.

It was also Dion's first time attending ceremonies in Ottawa. He said in an interview on CTV he was impressed. He spoke well for our vets and the newly appointed veterans ombudsman. Good for him.

[capricorn]

I was watching the History Channel a few hours ago and they did a story about a Quebec Vandoo who captured an entire town alone, he told the German Officer in charge that the Canadians had the town surrounded. He then spent the evening using granades and gun fire to make it appear as if a battle was waging. He entered the town the next morning and the Germans had fled. What a lovely man, no one died and he used his Canadian Sense of humour to Liberate a City. WOW.

Cagy buggers aren't we. Hey, if it works against the enemy, why not?

[jdobbin]

It is on this day I remember the soldiers on both side of my family that fought and in some case died in overseas battles.

To the soldiers and their families who post here, all the best for your committment and sacrifice.

Edited November 12, 2007 by jdobbin

[capricorn]

It's truly amazing the number of Canadian families that have been personally touched by past and present conflicts. Then again, not surprising given the high number of deaths and other casualties suffered by our forces over the last hundred years.

Thanks to all who have attended Remembrance ceremonies everywhere. Our veterans surely appreciate it.

[jbg]

My father fought in Korea, and did not die there, or I would not be posting this now. He died later, but honorably served my country.

My stepfather fought in WW II, and lived. Even the survivors sacrified the best years of their lives so that we, on both sides of the border, could be free.

[sharkman]

Apparently, this was the biggest crowd yet in Ottawa for the national Remembrance ceremonies, Thirty thousand they said. Last year they had one large screen. This year they added a scond one because of the larger crowds.

It was also Dion's first time attending ceremonies in Ottawa. He said in an interview on CTV he was impressed. He spoke well for our vets and the newly appointed veterans ombudsman. Good for him.

Speaking of Dion, did anyone see him pay his respects? All around him were others, including vets, dressed in many different colours, and here comes Dion, dressed in black from head to foot. He even found a scarf somewhere that was black as night. The guy really has bad judgement, no one else was wearing black, it wasn't a funeral, and he looked silly.

[capricorn]

Dion always looks funereal to me regardless of his clothing.

[Drea]

Speaking of Dion, did anyone see him pay his respects? All around him were others, including vets, dressed in many different colours, and here comes Dion, dressed in black from head to foot. He even found a scarf somewhere that was black as night. The guy really has bad judgement, no one else was wearing black, it wasn't a funeral, and he looked silly.

Good on yah... ... using this thread to get in a slam. Geez

My family attended the ceremonies yesterday. A young girl recited "In Flanders Fields"... and her voice... it was so tiny, so fragile....well there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd.

[capricorn]

I would have been more upset if that observation had been made yesterday.

I agree Drea, Remembrance must not be politicized.

I commend you and your family for attending the ceremony. Isn't it great that our youth is getting involved?