HONOURING CANADIANS WHO SERVED IN AFGHANISTAN-MAY 9 2014

Honouring our men and women who served in all aspects in Afghanistan is happening today. May 9 2014 has been created a day to honour and celebrate those who served in that mission. 158 lost. The aftermath of the service with many individuals also dying from PTSD taking their own lives makes the number larger. As Canadians it is important to support our troops. At the same time we can continue to work for policies and practices that lead to peaceful resolution of world conflicts. Afghanistan is a country with riches and great poverty. Those people struggle to make a living and have a life. It is good to know our Canadians made a difference there. Here's to those who served and the families that sacrificed a normal family life and welcomed them home. To the ones we know, like Jim thanks from the bottom of our hearts.

AFGHANISTAN'S WOMEN SHOW THEIR FORTITUDE

Afghanistan had an election today. It was a great turnout. The women were out in droves to show they wanted to vote and wanted peace in their nation. HERE'S TO GIRL POWER! May their dedication show the way for a new country. We take the vote so complacently in Canada that we forget other nations struggle. Do we realize that women only had the vote in 1917 here? We too have come a long way. Remember to honour those who can not vote, be sure to vote in whatever election, wherever you live to make your mark on the world. Afghanie people the world is watching and hoping for you.

CANADIAN FORCES DESERVE A THANK YOU FOR SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN

As the Canadian Forces leave their mission in Afghanistan, it sure is a time for reflection. Lives lost, stories told and evaluation. For this average Canadian, thank you for serving. You left the country with hope for a better tomorrow. Infrastructure was put in place. The problems of that country are very complex. The region even more! NATO tries! What to do! When you see someone from our Armed Forces, give a nod and say thank you. Support efforts to have better pensions, medical services and continued assistance for those needing services to continue to live in Canada with appreciation and dignity. Even write your local MP! Remember to honour the families and friends who lost loved ones there! They sure deserve it.

NANA SAYS CHILDREN ARE PARTICIPATING IN VETERANS' WEEK

Every year as we honour our Veterans at Remembrance Day , it is quite noticeable that young people are attending the ceremonies. High Schools across Canada now plan trips to memorials. Some even venture across to Europe visiting places like Vimy Ridge in France. Canadian history and our place in World history has become cool. This interest is due in part to our history. Actually, due to the involvement and commitment of our modern military going to places like Afghanistan and peacekeeping in Cyprus and other parts of the Middle East, our youth is viewing modern heroes serving our nation. News stories featuring our Highway of Heros on the 401, brings home the price that is paid to protect our country. Teaching our children not to glorify war but to promote peace takes a fine balance. Informing our young family members about other family members that served keeps the memories alive as well as saying thank you for the work. It helps with life's lessons of why it is important to resolve conflicts without injury. Honouring our Veterans also teaches that life can be tough with tough times. Do what you need to do in your family to remember. Wearing a poppy can be the easiest gesture. Besides they are rather pretty. Depending on the age of the child, too much detail may frighten the little ones while teenagers will understand differently.

REMEMBERING OUR CANADIAN VETERANS

Once just Remembrance Day, now we have Veterans' Week November 5-11. It gives more time to reflect on our military history and the sacrifices made to have the peace we have today in Canada. Our recent missions in Afghanistan and other nations bring home the fact there are still conflicts and suffering in the world.

In parks, town centers and avenues, monuments exist to honour local heroes who served and those who died. The army, navy, air force and merchant marine have men and women from all walks of life. In our family, there are individuals that served in World War One- Ernest Ellis and World War Two- Ellerington Park, Parkin Alton and Norman Ellis. Families across Canada will have similar stories about their loved ones. A family friend has a Mom- Amy Evans- who served with the Canadian army in England. She met Jack there and he came to Canada with her as a War husband.
If you have not done it, talk to the older Vets and get their stories- write them down, film them, tape them. Once they are gone, then their stories are gone. Learn about the famous battles and Canada's role in them. By honouring our past, we learn to find a way to resolve conflict peacefully in this modern world. I hope the Canadian military returns to its peacekeeping role- helping communities build, bringing fresh water supplies, education and health- in a wonderful way. When you think of Canada's history, what stories come to mind for you? Do you have a special person you like to honour?

REMEMBERING

To those that served throughout the generations- thank you. To Ernie, Ellie, Parkin, Norman, Jim- people in our family that honoured Canada with their service- from World War One to World War Two to the Afghanistan mission!
Do you have someone in your family that served in our armed forces? Do you have someone serving in our emergency services? Remember to say thank you!

THE CASSINO WAR MEMORIAL

Was an emotional experience for me. I visited there in 1991 on a trip to my husband's hometown- Cassino, Italy. I blogged about that experience November 1, 2010- Was I worth their sacrifice- Cassino War Cemetry and November 2, 2010- Cassino War Memorial Part 2. As we reflect on this Remembrance Week, I always remember the visit there of seeing so many graves with Canadian service men from all parts of Canada. They made the ultimate sacrifice-gave their lives. Today we can consider the lives given in our current missions. The young men and women that will always be remembered and honoured by the families who will miss them. Many of our elderly veterans are grateful for the new generation of young Canadians who are honouring them due to the current losses. The Afghanistan and other missions have brought a new awareness to all of us. No one really wins a war when there are lives lost- whether military or civilans! May we remember all sides in the battles and pray together for more peaceful resolutions to conflicts!

WEAR YOUR POPPY PROUDLY

We wear the poppy to remember those who served our country and those who are serving now. Do we realize 152 have died in the mission in Afghanistan? Young men and women serving their country. Let us also reflect on those who have been injured and urge the VA to provide proper compensation to those individuals. My grandfather Ernie Ellis served in World War I. My Dad served in World War II along with other members of my family and family friends. My niece's husband Jim served twice in Afghanistan. Thank you to all who have been dedicated to protecting our freedoms and helping others in the world. Do you know someone who served for our country? Will you stop and reflect on what that sacrifice means?