Remembering November 11th

Remembering

November 11, 2014, Remembrance Day here in Canada.

The day to remember those who gave of themselves and for some, their lives for this country.

I am a Canadian, fiercely, proudly Canadian.

Personally, today is about my Great Uncle Jack. My Gram’s brother. Jack wasn’t just my Great Uncle he was a Great Uncle! When I had the chicken pox at five years old, Jack was good enough to help out my Mother and took care of me for a couple days. Yes I remember that. I remember the fun I had with Jack despite being itchy!

I relate for you what was related to me by some in my family.

Jack Taylor was part of D Day. Jack never spoke of that experience or his time with me personally. As I know it Jack never spoke much of that time in his life with anyone. I know now on the backside of my own life not speaking of the experience with others that are not veterans of service is not unusual for those who served.

Jack was wounded. Wounded badly enough that there was serious consideration to removing his leg. I’m told by my family it was U.S. Navy Surgeon that saved Jack’s leg. That part of the experience was another thing Jack never spoke of.

Nationalistically, for me today is not just a day for remembering. Today is also a day of Thanks Giving. I give my memories and thanks to those that served to help make this country what is, free. I give my thanks to those serve now and hope they will return safely home to those they love and love them when the day is done. I give my thanks to those that stand on guard for thioe things that make my life what it is. I remember and give thanks for the Freedom of rights, the freedom of choice, the freedom from the despots of the world past and present who would love to make this world a hell.

I don’t remember just Canada’s who served. There is a certain United States Marine I know and for me, while this is Canada’s day, it is his day too.

Jack when he returned to Canada brought a bride with him, a new Canadian.

To you old and new Canadians, we have much to remember and much to give thanks for. We have much to continue to stand on guard for.

Today on the 11th day, of the 11th month at the 11th hour, I as always will stop and pause and remember and give thanks.

Thank you Jack and thank you all for what you’ve done and what you continue to do so that so many can have so many wonders and the best of all, freedom!

G.R. Hambley

P.S. I remembered something else.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=highway+of+heroes&qpvt=highway+of+heroes&FORM=IGRE

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