Walking away is not an option... dialogue must prevail.

"A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end he may disagree sharply, but because he disagrees, he wants to know exactly what it is he is disagreeing with."
- Kenneth A. Wells

"I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace."
- Helen Keller

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

At the going down of the sun and in the morning...

... we will remember them.


After Mom passed just over two years ago, I discovered some holidays were harder to get through than others. Parents leave their marks on them differently...

This is my first Remembrance Day without my Dad.



I cherish the Canadian flag. My father signed up to defend it, as a proud first generation Canadian just short of his 22nd birthday. And when he passed in May after his 89th birthday, the V.A. covered his body with that flag, he had earned that honour... He was the very example of the values Canadians cherish. My father was compassionate, honest, hard-working, respectful and tolerant of differences.


My Dad, Trooper Frank Dixon (first from the left)


My father is my hero.



I am Canadian. And on this 11th day, of the 11th month at the 11th hour, my daughter and I will be bowing our heads in Remembrance. I will wrap myself in Daddy's Legion sweater and think back to the thousands of soldiers, heroes, who died in the service of my country. They fought for their homeland, their families, to right injustices, for the weak and defenseless and so that Peace may be returned to the world. And I will remember the people who live in war ravaged countries, and ask that Peace be restored to them. I like to imagine that those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and the veterans who have passed will be uniting and doing their best from heaven to work for Peace, each one of them a guardian angel for the troops who serve today.

The Ode of Remembrance

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.



In what has become tradition for me... I repost the following:

I cry…

For the men and women who died, fighting for our Nation, for my freedom and the freedom of others…
For the mothers and fathers who have lost their sons and daughters in the fight for Peace…
For the men and women who have lost their soul mate…
For the children, those who are left behind… and those who shall never come to be…
For the friends who are left with only memories…
For those who have no PEACE…
For those who forget what makes the sacrifice so meaningful...
For those who miss so many important moments of everyday life because they are fighting for justice... the first step, the first tooth, the first goal, the first school play…
For my country, for we have lost so many fine Canadians…
For those who died alone... and for those who are buried so far from home...
For those who confuse their opinions on war and the respect and appreciation owed for the sacrifice of our soldiers...
For those who have lost their brothers and sisters in arms and parts of themselves...
For those who will not take the time to remember…


For my father who gave me life and unconditional love... for him I shall work for Peace...

This is one of the best Remembrance tributes I have seen... and I've seen many.




God keep all the men and women who serve their countries safe. If you see a veteran or a member of the military on this day, remember to extend your hand in thanks. It's the least you can do.

For Ashley Caffrey who is deployed abroad, stay safe. You are loved.
For Matt Caffrey, who serves stateside and is raising a fine boy, thank you.

19 comments:

Mother Moon said...

War is hell... for all of us... Remembering those who gave so much...

Unknown said...

This is quite an impressive post. Thank you, my friend.

Charles Gramlich said...

Great memories, great post.

Mike Golch said...

this is a great posting.I thank all that served your country ans well as those that served mine.I enjoyed watching the video.

Ron said...

As always...what an awesome post, Anndi.

I can always hear your love and pride of being Canadian in your voice - it's so moving.

Wonderful photos of your father.

Sending you a BIG hug on this Remembrance Day.

Lest we forget...

X ya!

Akelamalu said...

Beautiful post Anndi.

God Bless them all.

Anndi said...

Mother Moon, that it is.

Nick, I try and honour my heroes any way I can. Thank you for your visit, and for your service.

Charles, thank you... I cherish my memories of the day I stood at the Canadian War memorial and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier... and I'm around because of those who fought for me.

Mike, thank you for your service... and for watching.

Ron, my grandparents could have chosen a number of countries to immigrate to. They chose Canada. They met here, and raised their family... I'm very grateful for the freedoms my father and his fellow veterans fought for.
Hugs

Akelamalu, Amen. Thank you for your post. It was a most moving one.

Linda said...

Your father sounds a lot like my father who served proudly in the United States Air Force for twenty years. Of course he didn't have those snappy shorts that your father did but if he had I bet he'd have looked good wearing them!

As long as we continue to remember what our fathers did to keep not just us but our fellow countrymen safe and free their service will continue to live on just as their memories live on in us.

God bless all of our veterans no matter which country they have served for in the end, they have served the greater good of the entire world.

Traveling Bells said...

Very moving tribute! We can never forget. Never.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Visit again...

Mimi Lenox said...

Beautiful post, Ann.

Your daddy is a handsome man.
He raised a fine daughter.
I'd like to thank him for that..and for setting such a stellar example for future generations.

Hugs.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Wonderful post Ms. Ann...

They are remembered on more than just this day - today is the day we celebrate...

To those serving our nations at this time - may they stay safe and be assured their service is honored by those they defend.

Nessa said...

This was a great tribute to your dad and all veteran's every where.

Wordless Wednesday

Dianne said...

your Dad sounds like an exceptional person - I love the image of you wearing his sweater

I hope that brought you warmth and comfort and all the good safe feelings you deserve

Peace kiddo

Irish Gumbo said...

(salute)

Your dad was blessed with a lovely daughter, too.

Hug for you, kiddo.

Bogey said...

There was no way I could fight the tears as I read and watched your amazing tribute to our beloved Canadian Heroes. I am left humbled. Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier today and leaving such warm feelings. I am sure your father was watching over you today with pride. And I am sure your heart was filled with sweet remeberances of him. Peace to you Anndi.

Anndi said...

Linda, heh... Leave it to Canadians, from the Land of The Cold, to wear shorts, eh?!
All soldiers... indeed.

Sandy, as long as there's a breath left in me, they will be remembered.

Mims, you've helped me so much in the past few days... Love

Bond, they have left a legacy we can be proud of.

Nessa, thank you... they deserve the best I can muster.

Diane, he was a great man. His quiet strength always amazed me. The sweater helped, a lot.

Irish, I am what my parents molded. Thank you sweet friend.

Bogey, as Canadians, we've been blessed with a great Nation... and after reading about your grandad, I know that you and I are blessed by the most wonderful of guardian angels now. Peace to you as well.

Travis Cody said...

Well done.

I have an image of your folks, young and full of life, dancing together in the Canadian equivalent of a USO.

Captain Dumbass said...

Great tribute, Anndi.

Carletta said...

Beautiful beyond words!