Remembrance Day

 

November 11th has always been an important day for me. From earliest days during our school life there was a special emphasis given to this day. It was a declared holiday for many years but now it is celebrated without the holiday. As youngsters we were treated to veterans coming to our classes and sharing their stories with us. It was interesting that rarely was there a long speech about the actual war but rather what the war meant to the world and we in particular.

Later when I was involved in education we had students competing for the honour of representing our area in public speaking and essay writing. I felt that the little services held in a class or a school were very meaningful when attended to by a Legion Member. The children wore poppies and recited the poem,In Flanders Fields and there were tears from the older members of the gathering as so many were affected by the war.

I have personal feelings about this most important day as many of my immediate family were members of the Canadian Armed Forces during the first and second war.My father was a second world volunteer and went off to war only to find out that he was not suitable due to physical requirements and was sent home after basic training. He was given a volunteers badge which I still treasure and is a main part of my collection. Dad's wedgie is still in my possession and along with my own hold a respectful  place in my room of memorabilia.

In a way I feel fortunate to live in a time and place where I never was called upon to serve my country. I did serve as an officer in the Canadian Militia for years in a Scottish Regiment as did my Dad but I was too young for the Korean war and too old now to serve.

There are many ways to honour the memory of the men and women who served and died for our freedom. November 11th is a symbolic date. Every day there are opportunities to remember. Be positive and supportive when our people come home from war torn countries and suffer physical and mental disabilities. Support legislation that gives our vets a proper support pension and medical facilities. Be vocal in your support and let people know you care about those who have served on our behalf and most of all try to make Canada's foreign policy one of peace and caring for the oppressed and needy.

Great Women Unrecognized - Until Now

This is Women's Month and I was moved by a ceremony I watched this week on TV. During the WWII many American women flew planes for the war effort. These women were never recognized as Air Force even thought they performed numerous and dangerous missions. When they were killed or died they were not given military honours. When their service was complete they had to pay their way home.

These women flew dangerous missions ferrying new craft to Europe and all around the globe. Today these gals are all between eighty and ninety years old. This week nearly two hundred of these aviators were drawn to Capitol Hill where they collectively received the highest military award, The Congressional Gold Medal

These women classified as Wasp's, Women's Air force Service Pilots weren't considered military pilots but on this day they stood, saluted through the playing of the Star- Spangled Banner many still wearing their dark blue uniforms and bathed in the honour they so richely earned.

It was a moving moment for these ladies and a moving moment for all who observed and wondered how this could have happened. One lady in a wheelchair commented that they served their country without thought of recognition or reward. It was nice however she said with a smile that told another tale.

In Canada we had a similar corp involving women - bush pilots and a smattering of people who did not qualify for war service in the regular sense because of age or health. Hundreds of these people did great service without the great rewards from being in the regular service. I think of the Merchant Marine where losses at sea surpassed all other branches per capitol.

Hurray to the Wasp's and all others who served without formal recognition. Congratulations to the women who received the highest military honour, SEVENTY YEARS LATE.