Remembrance Day

[Roland]

Here in Canada, we observe Remembrance Day on November 11th each year.  It started as a time to remember the cost of the First World War, but has grown to include all the fallen warriors of subsequent conflicts.

I am a sentimental fool, I suppose.  But it does seem fitting to set aside one small time each year to remember and recognize those who gave so that I have the freedoms I enjoy.  The 'rightness' of the conflict is not the issue.  It is the sacrifice.

To share that sentiment, here are two wonderful songs.

First, Eric Bogle's "The Green Fields of France", also known as "No Man's Land".  The recording here.  The sound is deliberately poor (so as to encourage us all to buy it) but is rather moving nonetheless, as it is sung in two languages.  I prefer to hear John McDermott's version, myself, only because of his incredible voice.

Second, Terry Kelly's "Pittance of Time" in the video here is a reminder that even now, they deserve our respect.
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November 11th, Veteran's Day here in the U.S., is my birthday. Every year, my town holds a parade for Veteran's Day. I always kid around that I get a day off from school (no longer applicable; hasn't been for years) and a parade for my birthday, but I always pay deep homage to that day, what it stands for, and to all the people who have served (and died, although not limited to just them) to keep this country safe.

Combine the fact that I'm a sucker for charity with the fact that most veteran / police charity foundations hit me up this time of year, and I end up giving away just as much for my birthday as I do receive. It's a good feeling though, so I never mind.

To all the veterans, old and young, dead and alive, I salute you once more, another passing year of remembrance.