This page was exported from Shelburne Free Press [ https://shelburnefreepress.ca ] Export date:Tue Jul 23 16:24:27 2024 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: A Soldiers Life – lest we forget --------------------------------------------------- The soldiers life is not for all, a soldier must be willing to give his/her all, he/she is overworked and underpaid; a truer patriot was never made, ready to go at any time, wherever there is trouble or the first sign, his/her courage and honor are unsurpassed, ready and willing to complete the task, travelling to lands both near and far, he/she stands his/her post and looks at the stars, wondering what he/she might have done, if he /she had not chosen to carry a gun. Remember the next time that you are driving by and see the flag flying proud and high, that somewhere out there a soldier stands, weary and cold in a foreign land, protecting our country from our foes, standing tall and proud come rain or snow.(SSgt. Scott E Hilligoss) Let us not forget those who have given all for our freedom. Father God help us remember! Lest we forget! They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor do the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We shall remember them! We shall remember them! Canadian War Dead is as follows; 66,665 Died in WWI, 46,998 Died in WWII, 516 Died in Korea. Peace keeping, like in Bosnia and other places in the world, 121 Died, and in our latest war in Afghanistan, 158 of our brave soldiers have laid down their lives for freedom and the pursuit of peace. 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. (Major McCrae's poem, 1915). These Poems remind us of a soldier's life. A life of sacrifice! It was said that in 1918, on the 11 month, the 11 day, the 11 hour it was to be; “the end of the war to end all wars” this was 93 years ago just over an average person's life time. The sad thing about that comment is that,  21 years later, in 1939 Canada officially entered the Second World War. Sixty Eight years have passed since the Second World War drew to a close, after 6 years of fighting. A lot of us young people have no idea or even understand the cost which our Grandparents and great grandparents have paid; physical, mental and emotional. Not just for the soldiers on the front lines, but also back at home for the families of Canadians, all the rationing, the sacrifices to supply the men and women at the front. The war affected everyone! The events of the two world wars have almost become detached from our memories and our emotions; sadly it will only get worse in the years to come as the remaining veterans pass on into glory, removing our last living connection to these defining moments in history. We also have vets who have served in Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia and other peace keeping operations all over the world, but these conflicts only affected a small minority of Canadians. It did not become a sacrifice for the common citizen to support the police actions around the world, like it was in the time of the great wars. The average Canadian went about life as if everything was okay! Forgetting men and woman were laying their lives down every day for the price of freedom and peace in other nations. These vets need to be recognized and honored just as much as the vets from the great wars have been. A soldier is a soldier, wherever they have served. The war in Afghanistan, which is coming to a close, praise God! Has reminded us of the sacrifices our soldiers have made for us and other people around the world.. I am so glad to see people appreciate and honor and respect our soldiers these days. I pray also when the Afghanistan war comes to a close we will not forget the great sacrifices they have made in the coming future, and also the sacrifices their families have made for the sake of freedom in this world. John 15:13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend. I pray for peace in this world and for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to make it so! But at this time on Nov 11/2013 there are about 56 conflicts of various natures going on as we speak; 22 in Africa, 14 in Asia, 9 in Europe & Russia, 8 in Middle East, 3 in South America and Mexico by Guerrillas and drug cartels. As they say these days, “One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist”. I believe at times we must fight for freedom from people who oppress and persecute others for selfish gain, but even then, I think there is a better way to resolve conflicts than by killing people! I believe if man would follow the ways of the Lord, conflicts and wars would greatly decrease and one day come to an end! All we have to do is to apply what the scriptures say to our lives; Matthew 7:12 Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you! Matthew 22:37 You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Second is equally important; Love your neighbor as yourself. On top of that, if we would forgive like Jesus forgives us, Peace would be realized! John 15:12 This is my commandment; love each other in the same way I have loved you! Peace will only come, when man puts God and others before themselves. Father God, help us remember! Lest we forget, Lest we forget. Please come out and support our Veterans & Soldiers, Who have, and who are standing on guard for thee. Monday November 11th at 10 a.m. at the Shelburne Legion and at 11 a.m. at the Cenotaph in front of the Town hall. God Bless you all!  Rev. Gord Horsley. Chaplain of the Shelburne Legion Branch # 220 and the Pastor of Abiding Place Fellowship. --------------------------------------------------- Images: --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2013-11-07 21:16:54 Post date GMT: 2013-11-08 02:16:54 Post modified date: 2013-11-14 17:54:19 Post modified date GMT: 2013-11-14 22:54:19 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com