Dear Editor:
I am an aging veteran and as long as I am able, I will attend a cenotaph ceremony on Nov. 11 and march in the Remembrance Day parade.
At the end of the Remembrance Day ceremony, we, the aging veterans, march off at the head of the parade led by the colour party. With tired limbs and stiff joints, backs as erect as we can manage, we respond to the parade square commands that are forever in our memories, doing our best to maintain our dignity and honour our old units by not breaking ranks or losing the pace.
Up the street we head to the beat of the drums and drone of the pipes. As we pass, crowds assemble on both sides, standing, smiling, clapping and the occasional shout of “thank you for your service.” It brings warmth and displaces some of the chill that is always in the air. It is appreciated.
But wait, it is not just us for whom you should be clapping. It is those following – the regulars, the police, the reservists, the first responders, the Guides, the Scouts – give them the accolades too. Show them your appreciation. They crave and deserve recognition, your thanks, your support, for they are your protectors now. We the veterans are just the fading memories of times past, the dried leaves of bygone eras.
I have heard some folks say they do not attend Remembrance Day ceremonies as they refuse to celebrate the glory of war. To them I say this: there is no glory in war. And Nov. 11 is not a day for celebration. It is a day to reflect on the horrors of war and pay tribute to those who came home broken, and those who do not respond to the roll call because they did not come home at all.
“Sir, they do not answer.”
We will remember them, and we will honour them with our attendance on Nov. 11.
David Holsworth
North Vancouver
