Watched an episode of Bones that was all about 911.. Got me thinking about how old I was and where I was when it happened and I'm sad to say that I don't remember. The largest terrorist attack on America and I don't recall it impacting my life in any way. I know I'm not American, but I have so many friends and family that are or have lived in America. In fact, one of my cousins was in a building only just down the street when the plane crashed into the towers. I thank God that he was in a different building, but at the same time I feel an overwhelming sadness because so many people died that day. So many families mourned.
I don't know all the facts of what happened on 911. I know that a plane hit the pentagon and the towers. I know that hundreds of people were trapped or killed and I know that so many firemen and police officers sacrificed their lives to save others.
Doesn't that thought make you try to remember where you were or what you were doing when it all happened? I know that just about every single American remembers exactly what they were doing the exact moment the attack happened and would be able to tell you in detail. And I know that everyone that tells you will also tell you that it was insignificant. That it didn't matter.
Because of 911 America went to Afghanistan.
Three months later the president went overseas and declared that it was over.
It wasn't over.
It still isn't over.
Canada joined America in Afghanistan soon after the president's misleading declaration. And our men and women are still there, fighting every day for not only our freedom but the freedom of those living in Afghanistan. I know you might not see it that way, but I believe it to be true.
In 1914 we fought for freedom. For four years we fought for freedom.
In 1939 we fought for freedom. For seven years we fought for freedom.
Just two days ago, on November 11, our country bowed our heads and held a minute of silence for every man and woman that lost their lives in not only the first and second world wars, but also those that lost their lives in the war today.
Sadly, I don't think enough people take the time out of their schedules to do much more than hold that minute of silence. Too quickly are our thoughts consumed by holidays that have long ago lost their true meaning. Halloween decorations are packed away and immediately replaced by Christmas ones. We've begun to forget those that we owe our lives to and whom we should always remember.
It should never be so easy to forget.
If you've been to a Remembrance Day ceremony then you'll know that many of them will show pictures of the men and women that lost their lives. You might not be aware of it, but perhaps the person sitting next to you knew one of those soldiers. Every time a new photo flashes onto the screen your heart should break just a little bit more. Not only for them but for whoever they left behind.
I don't think that any of them wanted to die, but every single one of them was ready and willing to serve their country in any way that was asked of them.
Would you do the same?
A few days ago, as I was listening to my favorite radio station, the morning show asked a question: Do you think people should wait to decorate for Christmas until after Remembrance Day or not?
Here's my answer: I truly believe that Remembrance Day should never be forgotten. Take down your Halloween decorations like you always do, but instead of pulling out the inflatable Santa, hang a Canadian flag on your house and wear a poppy on your chest for at least a few days before and during Remembrance Day. Typically it is only the soldiers that wear it (or are allowed to wear it) for a week afterwards. But regardless, you live in an amazing country, and you should celebrate it.
Our soldiers should never ever be forgotten, no matter when it was that they fought.
Always Remember.
One Red Rose
written by: Amie Marks
One Red Rose
A Drop Of Blood
On The Pure White Snow
Gray Headstones
Are Stark Symbols Of Those Gone
Nearly Hidden By The Pure White Snow
A Lone Figure Stands
With Sightless Eyes Surveying
Where Heroes Lie Beneath The Pure White Snow
They Had Left Familes
Homes And Hearth
Only To Come Home To Rest Beneath The Pure White Snow
And Now When Our Country
Should Be At Peace
Our Men Leave Home Once Again
And Some Return To Lay Beside Those Long Gone
Beneath The Pure White Snow
One Red Rose
A Drop Of Blood
On The Pure White Snow
Always Remember.
