In Flander's Field

In Flander's Field the poppies blow,
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place and in the sky,
The larks still bravely, singing fly....

Each November, I take time to remember this sacred poem and re-memorize it as my tribute to those that have sacrificed for our freedoms. This year, we are mindful of a troubled world, wars in many places and my wishes are for a more peaceful year.

Yesterday I attended a Stake Conference in Taber, Alberta. At approximately 10:50, an older gentleman, Burns Wood stood and paid tribute to his comrades in arms. He invited all the veterans who were in attendance and were able, to stand while he remembered their service. Most of the men who stood were old, in their 80's and 90's, yet they stood as ramrod straight as their years would allow. At 10:58, he dismissed them, telling them to, "rest easy, eh". We then had a full 60 seconds of silence in tribute to our veterans. It was a reverent moment for me as we remembered our debt.

Last week sister Dawne sent me copies of some letters and poems that were Dad's from the war years. Dad was quick to join the service in 1939, stayed long and maintained his military bearing throughout his life. As children, we were quick to fall in, expected to maintain precise courtesy to those that deserved respect, taught to be mindful of proper manners at the dinner table and all remember our father in his dress mess.

My blog this evening is a thank you to those that have served and to those that now serve. Our world is fraught with antagonism, peoples hating others, jealousy and bigotry are the world's great blights. It may worsen and we may yet defend our freedoms. Stay true good soldier, may God's love be manifest, might you find safety in times of trouble. The torch is ours to hold it high.

Goodnight