Veteran's Day

A year ago today I was in London for Remembrance Day (Veteran's Day) and the Lord Mayor's Parade which was the very next day. What I remember vividly is that the entire country comes to a stand still for two minutes on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. It was originally a time set aside for the British public to remember their terrible losses in WWI but has since been magnified to remember all those lost in combat no matter which conflict.

We in the USA have the same date set aside as Veteran's Day to remember all those who have served in conflicts but we as a people don't observe this to the same degree as do the British and other Commonwealth nations. Does this say that we don't care as much or that we are just "Too Busy" to take two minutes to observe a period of silence for those who served and those who died?

I remember that on that day in London almost all traffic came to a halt. People everywhere stopped what they were doing whether they were walking, talking, shopping, or anything else. The only sound I could hear was the pealing bells from St. Paul's cathedral and that seemed so right as St. Paul's is still a symbol of perseverance in the darkest days of WWII during the Blitz. Maybe the fact that the British spirit has been tested time and again with attacks on their homeland makes them more aware of the immediacy and importance of remembering and being ready to act.

I hope to god that we don't suffer any more 9-11s but fear that more will come as we get tired of the struggle and will pull back and let the forces against us have some breathing room. The only reason they don't attack us at home is because we have our boot on their neck over here. Once we let it up and step back, they will get on their feet and come after us with a vengeance. Remember this when you vote this November.

All holiday's of national significance are different to me now and this one is no exception. In a few minutes I will shut my door, stand up, and bow my head for two minutes in remembrance of my ancestors who gave all so that I could have free will and free choice.

I have attached a video from a Canadian Folk Singer named Terry Kelly who sings a poigniant reminder that we all need to take the time to remember. If we forget those in the past then why will the people of the future want to carry on our way of life? Being controlled is easy, being free is not, and freedom is never free. It costs two minutes.

Terry Kelly is a remakable person. He is blind but does not let that stop him from going to places such as Afghanistan to meet with Canadian troops. People like Terry Kelly are to be commended. I invite you to visit his website and read about what caused him to write this song.

http://www.terry-kelly.com/