30 Days of Gratitude- Day 11 (Photo credit: aussiegall)
I first published this post on November 11, 2013, a second time in 2015 and again today. As a tribute to my family’s veterans and all those many, many others, I think it holds as true this year as did when I first published it nine years ago. Thank you for your service. We will remember.
In Canada, today is Remembrance Day. Today, we remember those who have given their lives to preserve the greater good, those who gave us what we have today.
Both my parents were veterans of World War II. My dad escaped from Dunkirk and later, in 1944, helped to liberate France and the Netherlands. He went all the way to Hamburg, Germany, before being sent back to England and to my mother.
My mother served in the British army as a radar operator during the London blitz. Her father, a World War I veteran, was a “spotter” who alerted higher command that enemy planes were coming across the channel.
One day, a fighter saw him and killed him.
Three of her brothers served in the army, one of whom was captured. He spent four years in a prisoner of war camp and was finally liberated in 1945. According to my mother, he was completely changed and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder for the rest of his life.
Another brother died during his service to the navy, and a third in France. A sister-in-law died in a bombing raid.
My parents worked hard while escaping attacks and facing every kind of rationing imaginable, to say nothing of the constant fear of death. This left them with an enduring determination that their kids would never face the same fears, privation, or responsibility. There had been no guarantees that they would be successful with the task they were given.
But they were successful. And we enjoy the benefits of that success today, a success written in blood.
In Canada, the following excerpt from For the Fallen is recited at Remembrance Day services around the country. Here, this recitation is known as The Act of Remembrance.
For the Fallen ~ Laurence Binyon
They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old:
age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
Yes.
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 
Great post, Lynette. History always comes into sharp focus when we can apply it to family.
Thanks, Jenny. You’re so right about that – that connection does indeed keep me sharply focused.
Thank you for this eloquent post. We will be going to our Cenotaph this morning and I will thank my Dad and all the others for their service. Bless them all and “we shall remember them”.
Thank you, Nelson. M and I are about to go to the cenotaph, as well.
Lest we forget – beautiful post, you are very proud of your family, as you should be ….. how much they endured – bless ’em all xx
Yes, they did – we are so lucky. And yes, I am quite proud of them 🙂
🙂 as we all are darling. xx
Reblogged this on In the Net! – Stories of Life and Narcissistic Survival and commented:
I first posted this two years ago.
Wear a poppy; thank a veteran.
Beautiful reminder, Lynette. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. I am so interested lately to hear of more being written about the true experience of War which had such huge impacts. 🙂
Thank you. 🙂
Such an extraordinary history of service and commitment in your family. Lovely post, Lynette.
My father, deceased, was an Air Force General when he retired. My boyfriend, now, is an Army Captain. I have great respect for men in the service. The story of your family, especially of your father, is amazing.
Your family really did their duty during war time. It’s so sad to read of those who died or were badly traumatised. Thanks for sharing, Lynette. xx
Thank you for this–for the reminder that it’s important to remember the sacrifices so many make and have made.
That is wonderfully touching, Lynette. What a powerful history of warriors you have. I honor them for their sacrifices.
We must never forget…..
Thanks to your family for their service and sacrifice Lynette. As we get further from the Great Wars, many think the real danger has passed. They obviously do not read the news. We must all remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedoms and we must all do our part, so it does not just quietly slip away because of our indifference and the greed for power and wealth of our “leaders?” We will remember them.
Thank you very much, Allan. I agree. Our “leaders” are certainly not helping much. Yes, we will remember them.
“And this tale shall the good man teach his son, that Crispinus Crispianus, or Dunkirk, or Verdun or Guadalcanal ne’er shall pass, from now until the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered.” Good on you for remembering, as a veteran would, the spirit of those who have gone before. Thank you for your courage and devotion to duty.
Thank you very much, Kenny. We have so very much for which we should be always thankful and mindful.
What a beautiful tribute to your family’s veterans and to the many others who died in the line duty.
Thank you very much, Linda. They contributed a lot, but I don’t think they were much different from many other countless families who did the same.