Having served for over 40 years in the military, I am always impressed to see how fellow Canadians gather to remember those who have fought in many conflicts or been involved in many peacekeeping and peacemaking missions. There were a significant number of celebrations this year where large numbers of people would have congregated and taken time to remember those who served and those who gave the supreme sacrifice – however, COVID-19 limited attendance and cancelled many. One of those significant anniversaries was VE Day, 8/9 May 1945, the end of World War II. It would have been the 75h anniversary of that significant event.
Our Branch, working in concert with Dr. Roman Maev at the University of Windsor, were going to conduct a wonderful remembrance service and honour those WW II veterans that still were still living in our region in May 2020. However, that had to be cancelled. In discussion with our Executive and Dr. Maev, we are still planning an event on November 8th, 2020, here at the Branch.
If conditions permit, we will have a celebration of remembrance on that afternoon. We may be limited on attendance, but we are determined to REMEMBER those who fought tyranny in our world, with a special reflection on the western and eastern front of Europe.
Freedom is NOT FREE – it comes with a price. It requires people and nations to stand up to corrupt governments, terrorists, insurrectionists and bullies and have the guts to say: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. It is not acceptable to treat anyone on this earth in an unacceptable manner.
No matter where, or what religious background, or what ethnic background; we as Canadians have stood behind, and indeed in front of people around the world, to protect their rights and freedoms. This country is recognized as one of the finest countries in the world.
My thoughts and words are simple: Bless the Veterans and serving members of our Military. Bless the police officers, firefighters and EMS people that are prepared to stand in harms way to protect your rights.
BE PROUD TO BE CANADIAN! LEST WE FORGET – LEST WE FORGET!
