As we wade into November with the darker days and wetter weather, the only bright spots are the red poppies we all wear to commemorate our fallen soldiers.
This year, I suspect we will see an increased attendance at our Remembrance Day ceremonies due to the recent events in eastern Canada where we saw the death of two Canadian soldiers on our home soil. After all, wars happen in other countries, not here in Canada.
A historian friend sent me an article about a German submarine that operated off the east coast of Canada in 1918.
The sub destroyed many freighters and fishing vessels by commandeering the boats, sending their crews ashore and scuttling the ships. Because there was no loss of life, there was very little national publicity.
The interesting part of the story is that the U-boat Commander had been given two orders.
Firstly, to sever the trans-Atlantic telegraph cable that came ashore in Canso, Nova Scotia, and secondly to cause as much ‘fearfulness’ as possible for Canadians by bringing the European war to the shores of Canada.
Other than causing some havoc in the shipping lanes, the sub wasn’t able to destroy the cable and obviously, most Canadians were not even aware of the attacks much less made ‘fearful.’
After all, wars happen in other countries, not here in Canada.
But we must acknowledge that war has a different face these days and it is not as easily recognizable as it used to be. Locking the doors and piling chairs against them may not be enough.
We should start paying a little more attention.
At least that’s what McGregor says.
On Guard
The Unknown Soldier left his tomb
When he heard the terrible sound;
He glanced at the soldiers looking down
Then knelt by the man on the ground.
He cradled his head in his weary arms
Then smiled as he slipped away;
“Come with me,” he said in a gentle voice,
“Our country has changed to day.”
“Straighten your kilt and straighten your cap,
It’s time to return to your post;
We must not leave, we must not hide
It’s now we’re needed the most.”
“Your broken body has left the scene,
To be replaced by flowers and tears,
But I need you to march over me
To dispel your country’s fears.”
Your footsteps will echo from the Maritimes
Across the prairies to Pacific sand,
They will thunder in the hearts of your countrymen,
As they rise to make a stand.
“So stand fast your post young soldier,
Stand on guard for them and me;
For it’s those of you, doing what you do
That keeps our country free.”
