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.