EDITOR’S NOTE: This opinion piece is is written by Doreen Bailey of Burpee-Mills, a member of the Manitoulin Writers’ Circle. Ms. Bailey, a retired school principal at Charles C. McLean Public School in Gore Bay, is also an avid field naturalist and was key to the development of Misery Bay Provincial Park.
Remembering our Veterans
No sun, No moon,
No morn, No noon
No songs, No birds
November
It is the time again when the days of splendor retreat into the grey mists of late autumn and our only bright colour is the brave red of poppies all wear to remember the sacrifices made by our veterans. It is now we recall the horrendous days when the entire world wept as the Nazis orchestrated unthinkable carnage across the seas in an effort to remake humanity in their own genetic image.
Although I was only seven-years-old when war was declared I still recall the horror the news brought every day as broadcasts on our battery operated radio rang with the fanatic Nazi “Heil! Heil! Heil! and rattled to the clank of steel boots goose-stepping across Europe. Material printed in our daily newspapers added to the effect by revealing the spread of war through a broader arena. Thus, under the banners not only of Europe’s Hitler, but also of Italy’s Mussolini and Japan’s Imperial leader Hirohito, fear rode our young nights.
But respite was to come. It was a slow relief however as it took a multitude of men and smaller platoons of women from many parts of the world to effect an offense against the mania. Canada’s soldiers left this land and took up the offensive on the Nazi’s battleground and helped hold the scourge at bay. The cost was tremendous but it stalled the attempt, and left those who had lived through the wretched time with enduring contempt and distrust for that depraved segment of the ancient German race. We rejoiced as that blood bath on distant shores became only a memory recalled in the tide of blood red poppies we would wear each November.
Hatred however knows nothing of time nor place as we were so sadly to learn during the last few weeks of October in this year of 2014. Once again depravity was at work as it reached into the heart of our country and the very halls of Canada’s upper Parliament. In the process it took the lives of two of this land’s fine soldiers who were employed in guarding our symbolic monuments. These heroes for democracy were Corporal Ethan Cirillo on guard duty at Canada’s War Memorial on Parliament Hill, and, a few days earlier and not far away in Quebec, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was struck down while positioned outside the Veteran’s Integrated Support Centre. Their deaths left us bereft and the manner of their going undermined our long sense of security. Within those few hours our concept of the world as we knew it changed forever.
In light of these recent events, Remembrance Day, held annually on November 11th, will be a greatly enhanced affair this year. Poppies will abound as never before. On all sides Maple Leaf flags will drape Capital Hill. Small flags will be held aloft by multitudes of mourners of all ages, colors and creeds in a world learning to temper diligence with love and compassion.
But Remembrance Day will also remain the same. Despite the seasonal cold, our heritage will be on display with the red and white of snapping Maple Leaf flags, the flashing red ceremonial dress of our parading Mounted Police and the tattoo of drummer lads in red jackets, white hats and puttees as the scene recalls a time of red blood, white bandages and the eventual freedom from potential oppression.
As always the veterans will be, by far, the most impressive sight of the day. Both men and women will be there not only to represent their role in the defense of freedom but also to pay respect to their fallen and departed comrades. Once again, despite their very advanced age, they will attend without a quiver, as erect as their ancient bodies allow, while staunchly maintaining their impassive demeanor.
Although the veterans are noted for their reluctance to share the specifics of their war experiences, on a recent occasion a television’s close-up view revealed their eyes were deep shadowed pools of sorrow. It was our faces that crumpled then, our lips and chins that quivered and our tears that spilled in recognition of the inestimable gift these freedom fighters have given the world. “God bless you, veterans. May we never forget.”
Doreen Bailey
Evansville
