The picture to the left is a little blurry - okay, it's alot blurry, but I'm gonna post it anyway, because if we look at it as it is here - you can see three wonderful people ...
In the foreground in the dark jacket is Scott Collen, a member of the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry based at CFB Shilo just outside of Brandon. Scott is continuing his recovery from wounds he recieved while serving in Afghanistan. The bombing that injured him claimed the lives of four of his comrade at arms. This afternoon Scott came to watch the Remembrance Day Service at the local Elementary School. His son, dressed in his cadet uniform was one half of the honour guard standing at the side of the presentation area. It was good to see Scott out and about - he continues his recover amid the prayers and best wishes of his family and many friends here in Minnedosa.
Beside Scott are two very special people - Ernie and Ruth D. In January they will mark their 63rd Anniversary. They married after Ernie, serving in England as a soldier in the Canadian Military was run down by a young woman on a bicycle ... Ruth laughs every time she retells the story and Ernie just smiles ... Ruth spoke to the kids at the elementary school today about her journey as a War Bride, while Ernie once again recited the words of John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields, for the High School students.
Ruth and Ernie are a wonderful couple - they are friends, and I count myself as privileged to have spent time with hearing their stories and theirmemories ...
These three know the cost of war from personal experience ... These three have stories worth hearing ... These three are among the reason that we hold Remembrance Day services.
They have all worn a Uniform. They have all learned the risks and dangers of combat. They have all been part of the struggle to bring us peace and freedom ... Today it was a treat to take this picture (sorry it's blurry) and to honour them by saying - Thank you.
This Remembrance Day take time to pause and remember, not only the fallen, but those with names like Scott, Ernie, Ruth, Haywood, Jim, Frank ... ordinary men and women who have been willing to wear the uniforms of their nation and risk themselves for us ... The least we can do it spare a moment to remember ...
Lest We Forget !!
No comments:
Post a Comment