One hundred years ago today the guns went silent on the western front and the world gave a silent prayer that the horrible conflict known as the Great War had come to an end.
An end for some and a lifetime to deal with it for others.
War is never glorious as it rends bodies and minds, destroys men and women, tears asunder families.
We ask much of those who would protect us and own them even more for the ultimate sacrifice that some will make honouring our request.
It is our sacred duty to remember them and what they gave up for all of us.
My great grandfather stands watch silently in Flanders Field as he has done since 1917.
An uncle rests in the jungles of Borneo where he fell in 1944.
Another uncle lays in his homeland of Italy where he gave his life in 1945.
I think we can all trace a family member and a loss to one of the two world wars that have been waged across the globe, we are all touched by conflict, whether directly ourselves or through the actions of someone close to us, be they family or friend.
I've been touched through both family and friends and will never forget them, I've tried my best to pass on this feeling to my children and will do so with my grandson Jack when I take him to visit the War Memorial in Ottawa.
For those past, present, and future who shall give of themselves, I promise to never forget....
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
My name is Marcus and today I'll be raising a glass in toast to those no longer with us and those away from families making the world a better place
