The one image I can't bear to watch of that fateful September day is the one of people jumping from the two towers. I can't help but wonder about how they came to that decision; if they got a chance to hear their loved ones voices one last time?It's heart-wrenching. I think they have such resonance even now because we can all easily imagine ourselves in their place.
Today we took time out to remember those people; and all of those who died that day. And we should- it's a day that's etched in our collective memory's. We're still living with the consequences of that day; it left a gaping hole in the middle of New York, and showed us the depths of human kindness. It sent us to war, and eventually caused a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy.
All of it is worth remembering. Over 150 Canadian soldiers have died in Afghanistan since combat operations began; and each of them is worth remembering today. They fought, and managed in a way to bring some limited progress to a harsh country, half a world away and that bears remembering.
It bears remembering how Canada continued growing in the last few years. When Great Britain, and the Americans went to Iraq, we stayed in Afghanistan. This signalled a remarkable shift in attitudes; we had that habit of following the Americans and British in a lot of decisions. And now we'd make our own. Canada struck out on its own, and decided we wouldn't actively participate. We're still playing out the consequences of this decision.
It also bears thinking about how the world has changed. Somehow the world lost its innocence that day, and will never be the same. I remember being totally shocked; America- this couldn't happen to them- they're invincible- nothing could hurt them. And yet something did- I guess it goes to show none of us are invincible.
We should remember that we've had some good luck catching the bad guys before anything else has happened. A lucky flight crew caught the shoe bomber, and good police work caught the Toronto 18. The plans in both cases would've been horrific had they come to fruition; but we've caught them. I know that security can be a real pain in the behind, but remember it keeps us safe.
September 11, 2001 is truly the day the world changed. May all who died that day, and in the wars since Rest in Peace.
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Remembrance Day and Afghanistan
When I was young, I was always aware of Remembrance Day. I remember lots of cold November Sundays marching in the parade with Girl Guides, and gathering around the cenotaph. In school, I can recall yearly assemblies held- often with Veterans in to speak to us; they brought the history to life.
Now, as I've grown older I've become more aware of that history. What Canadian soldiers did in both world wars was nothing short of heroic. In W.W. I the French, and English tried to take Vimy Ridge, and failed. But the Canadians succeeded, and have been honoured for it with a monument on French soil. In W.W. II, Canadians landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, and ended up gaining the most ground of any allied forces in Occupied France. They fought through Italy, and in Holland when the Nazis finally surrendered their hold on that country, they did so to a Canadian General. This is just some of what we are honouring as we pause today- at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month for two minutes of silence. We will remember them.
In remembering the past today, let's also spare a thought for the future. Canada is still fighting a war in Afghanistan; our soldiers trying to bring the same values to that country, others defended on our behalf so long ago. I have been fortunate enough in the course of my job to meet a Veteran of that conflict. He served one tour there, and would consider serving another. For me, that has put a face on the conflict happening half a world away.
At 11am I thought of the soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, and I thought of the younger faces I saw at the cenotaph. I hope we will listen to the stories of the Afghan Veterans as surely as we listen to the older gentlemen. Because in listening that's the only way we learn.
Spare a thought today or any day for those who fought for our freedom, and those who continue fighting for it.
Now, as I've grown older I've become more aware of that history. What Canadian soldiers did in both world wars was nothing short of heroic. In W.W. I the French, and English tried to take Vimy Ridge, and failed. But the Canadians succeeded, and have been honoured for it with a monument on French soil. In W.W. II, Canadians landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, and ended up gaining the most ground of any allied forces in Occupied France. They fought through Italy, and in Holland when the Nazis finally surrendered their hold on that country, they did so to a Canadian General. This is just some of what we are honouring as we pause today- at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month for two minutes of silence. We will remember them.
In remembering the past today, let's also spare a thought for the future. Canada is still fighting a war in Afghanistan; our soldiers trying to bring the same values to that country, others defended on our behalf so long ago. I have been fortunate enough in the course of my job to meet a Veteran of that conflict. He served one tour there, and would consider serving another. For me, that has put a face on the conflict happening half a world away.
At 11am I thought of the soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, and I thought of the younger faces I saw at the cenotaph. I hope we will listen to the stories of the Afghan Veterans as surely as we listen to the older gentlemen. Because in listening that's the only way we learn.
Spare a thought today or any day for those who fought for our freedom, and those who continue fighting for it.
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