Lest We Forget

Yesterday it was Remembrance Day. I grew up in provinces that recognized it as a statutory holiday – a day to take time and visit a cenotaph, or attend a ceremony honouring the veterans and the war contribution, past and present. Not here in Ontario, home of the country's Capital. Nor in Quebec or Newfoundland and Labrador. Hence, this poster in a local school suggesting this informal uniform be worn on November 11th. The real irony is that these students found it more important to wear a black top and jeans with the poppy being treated as a fashion accessory. They can look here if they've forgotten what the day really symbolizes.

"On Remembrance Day,

we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country

and acknowledge our responsibility to work

for the peace they fought hard to achieve."

Lest We Forget

We are a military family and so for us Remembrance Day is every day, as I'm sure it was for the Newman family who lived behind this door on Armstrong Street during World War One. On February 24th, 1915 Arthur William Newman became a Private in the 38th Battalion Expeditionary Force and then 2 days later his brother, Lester, was enlisted. Their poor mother! Of about 4,500 men who passed through the Battalion while posted in Bermuda, England and on Vimy Ridge, 700 were killed and approximately 2,000 wounded. As I cannot find anything else about the two young brothers, it is quite possible that they were among the brave young soldiers who gave up promising futures so we can have the opportunities and experiences we cling to so strongly today. May they rest in peace.