Being today is 11/11/11 it seems to be some sort of super-sized Remembrance Day doesn’t it? Last month when we were in France for the world championships, we had one day to do some local touring. We chose to visit Vimy Ridge and the Canadian memorial there. I personally had no immediate relatives that served in the forces (while, my father did a term in the navy but that was before his family), but nonetheless it was a powerful experience and one everyone should taken in if they are ever in France.
Briggs Taylor (on the ground), Feature and Encore Garrett-Blenkey and Tanafon Waters at the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge.
The Canadian Monument.
Some of the names of the 11,285 Canadians who never came home from France.
The trenches where the troops fought and lived; literally a few strides away from their enemy.
Sheep now graze the land between the two enemy trenches. The entire experience was surreal for me.
Today I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of service men and women, and their families, that made the sacrifices necessary to allow the rest of us to enjoy the lives we do. May they never be forgotten; and also for the families and service people that continue to serve today.
Thank you Susan, yours was a timely and touching reminder for those who have been given the gift of life and freedom to enjoy such things as our precious dogs.
I spent much of 11/11/2011 remembering not only the military but perhaps more especially all the non military people, often old, women, children of all sides who lost lives in wars and conflicts all over the world
Both my father ( he was 18) and my grandfather (who I never knew ) served in the British air force. My grandfathered was shot down. My parents moved to Canada shortly after the war. We all should pause, and be thankful. Your article says it all. Elizabeth
Susan, My husband served as a Marine Infantry man in Vietnam, our youngest son is also a Marine and to date has served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. My daddy was a Sailor in the Korean War and my momma was in the Air Force in the Korean War. Veterans Day is a somber day to me and I thank all who have served all over the world to keep us free…Freedom does come with price tag…. thank you for this post…
I have been fortunate enough to work in northern France over the years and have opportunity to visit some British memorials including Thiepval. Also I was in Compiegne (armistice was signed there) on 11/11 one time. Very very moving
Thanks for sharing.