Remember

Canadian Air Force Flag

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. There are three things I always know about this day:
1) I'll lose my poppy about ten times
2) I'll stand for two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m.
3) I'll call my Grandfather and thank him for all the sacrifices that he and other Canadians made many years ago.

This past Thanksgiving my family took my Grandfather to a local military museum that a family friend runs. It was such a special thing to share with him, going through all the memorablia and hearing him relate his own stories.

There were displays for all the many wars that local men and woman had fought in. This Soldiers' Banquet took place 91 years ago at an arena I still go to every year.

Many of the pieces in the displays were donated by local families and reading through the names I could see the grandparents and great-grandparents of some of my friends growing up. And I realize that so many of these young people were not much older than my little brother. Its unbelievable when you think of the courage that they had.

The artifacts were fascinating to look at, such as this little pocket English-Italian dictionary.

There are prayer books and tin mugs.

One tin that was found even contained chocolate that was never eaten.

This uniform was donated with a picture of the young man who wore it.

So young, but showing so much pride for his country.

This strapping young man is Private Allan Anderson. His family donated many artifacts, including a worn out journal that he carried.

This was his journal, which reads:

Madeline Lomerson

"The one I REALLY Love"

Written Feb 22. 41.

While waiting at train for further orders.

Private Allan Anderson

Royal Regiment of Canada

Camp Borden Military Camp

Joined R.R.C. on July 4. 40.

Reason - DUTY to my country.

Private Anderson was killed within a couple years of this journal entry.

Outside the museum they have a collection of military vehicles.

My grandfather slowly walked around every vehicle and I had to wonder what he was thinking.

Some of these pieces will never be used again.

But others are getting new life. One of the museum founders is working with students and car enthusiasts to restore some of these vehicles to their former glory. This one now goes in parades.

There is still much work that needs to be done, but the fact that these young people are not only learning so much about their trade, but also about their country and ultimately themselves, is a major accomplishment.

On a final note, I give thanks to all the people who fight for our freedom, including our troops overseas right now. Thank you.