A Tribute to the Fallen

Today is the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the day that when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy to commence the final destruction of the Nazi empire.  In this country, there will be a number of reminders of this day and most of them will focus on the heroic actions of the American servicemen who landed on that beach and who fought in that war.  However, what is sometimes lost sight of is that World War II was a "World" War and there were men from other countries who landed on those beaches in Normandy and fought in that war.  

As some of you know, I have a branch of my family that were pioneers of the Canadian West and, in the past, I have been reminded of the contribution made by my Canadian relatives to the cause of Freedom.  On this day, along with remembering the contributions of the American heroes, I will also remember theirs.

Peace.

Family Members Who Served In Canada's Armed Forces Overseas

Lester Mapp – Father

Raphael Mapp - Uncle

Carl Mapp – Uncle

William Stanley Saunders – Uncle

James Earl Saunders – Uncle

A salute to all those who have served

Lest we forget....forget what?
Forget the troops, men and women, who fought for the freedom and rights of other people....the people of all the countries under siege.

They laid down their lives for others, without thinking of their own safety. They helped people in the countries in which they were fighting by caring for them, helping feed them, at the same time giving up some of their own food for starving children.

We will never forget the men and women who put their own lives at risk during the great wars, the
“incidents” and the UN peacekeeping assignments, which have ravaged and are still ravaging much of this world. Many of our troops have served in skirmishes, incidents and other battles which have never been given the respect and honour which they deserve.

Those of us who were too young, too old or not fit enough to serve alongside these brave men and women stand here free and able to live in comfort because of the sacrifices of so many.

To all those who served and are serving: we salute you with pride.

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.