Remember Past & Present

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2010

My Mom wore army boots...and so did my Grandma!

The women in my family weren't war heroines by any stretch of the imagination.  They served in the Finnish army and had the medals to prove it.  My mother and her mother were stationed close to the enemy lines, fighting the below zero temperatures and harsh conditions of a northern winter.  Their weapons of choice were a kitchen knife, a wooden spoon or two and a big black kettle.  They wondered if they would ever eat anything other than pea or potato soup once the war was over.

As a child, I heard the stories over and over again, and one in particular stuck with me.  Now and again, when something catastrophic happens in my life, I compare my misery to that of my ancestors who fled from their homes in the dead of winter, every important belonging in a canvas knap sack, wearing heavy woollen clothing...listening for wolves or guns (which would kill them? the hungry animals or the enemy's bullets?) under the light of a full moon...never to return to their Karelian homeland again.  Doors left unlocked.  Cupboards ransacked. 

  Whatever is happening in my life is miniscule compared to what my parents survived. 

These are grand stories of hope, survival, courage...live or die... here are the  role models for appreciating our freedom and pride in the troops who keep us safe, who put their lives on the line in the air, on the ground or across the sea...  while our days roll by in our own peace and war...oblivious?....How often do we stop to say "thank you"...silence...respect...1 minute of every 11/11?.


YOU can do more!

 What would it take to put ourselves in combat boots for a few extra moments?  How can you take the lead to honor the present?

The men and women of the Canadian Forces have demonstrated time and again that they will rise to any challenge. Let your Canadian Forces members know you appreciate their service by sending a message using this monitored message board.



http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/Messageboard/index_e.asp


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Involve your family: send gifts and letters...

Canada Post will continue program of free delivery to deployed troops. Christmas Mailing Guidelines: Mail intended for Christmas delivery to Canadian Forces personnel serving overseas and using the Belleville address must arrive at Belleville by 19 November 2010.


PO BOX 5210 STN FORCES BELLEVILLE ON K8N 5W6


Christmas Shopping? Support Our Troops Merchandise here:


https://www3.cfpsa.com/wyn2/en/sot/shoplist.aspx





Remember the past on November 11.
Salute the present... share the stories... make the "memory" in "remembrance". 

Take 11 minutes on 11/11...
"peace begins with me".