We Will Remember Them.

Today I would like to thank all Canadian Vetrans, and take time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for my life in a free country. Personally I would like to think of my Great Uncle Frank WWII.
My Grandfather Cliff Baker- WWII.
My Grandmother Catherine Baker- WWII (Red Cross).
My Father, Rev. Major.W.Gordon Shields. -Peacekeeper 1975-1976 Cypress, Padre.Gulf War
My best friends father Rev. Major. Merriman-Gulf War, Peacekeeper.
My best friends husband Garth Fortune-Afganistan.
My childhood friend Joe O'Donnell- Afganistan.

Thank-you.

I would like to insert now a part of my father's speech at this year's Rememberance Day Ceremonies in Winnipeg, MB.

We pause for a moment today to recognize the fountain of names that run along the war monuments from Coast to Coast. We will not let the sacrifices given in the past for our freedoms be lost to the sands of time. Today we remember every name, not as a soldier invisible- but as a hero that lived and lost and precious life.

We see the flag draped coffins, the physically and mentally wounded and our hearts break with the reality of the sacrifice we ask. 

Remembrance Day is all about the lives we lead, the freedom and prosperity we cherish which are ours because of the courage and sacrifice of previous generations. We honour the courage and sacrifice of this generation in the pursuit of peace in Afghanistan and all places around the world were our soldiers, sailors and airmen are called to place their lives on the line- on this day we accept all that they did and presently do, as a gift and we express our gratitude to all Canadians who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

For the rest of his life Frank lived with the nightmares of chaos, fear and faces of friends lost. Knowing that he was bound to these memories forever- Frank’s generation was called “Great” because they survived a Great Depression and a World War, and those experiences molded them as nothing else would. 

I have friends from The Korean War, and from Peacekeeping missions, who will never be the same again.

We express our gratitude to all Canadians who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

To their families and loved ones, who went on with similar strength.  And we honour this generation in the pursuit of peace in Afghanistan; and all places around the world where our soldiers, sailors and airmen are called to place their lives on the line in the service and duty of their Queen and Country, for what we as Canadians enjoy and value. 

Freedom and Peace to all. No matter where you come from, who you pray to, or whom you love. 

The greatest memorial we could possibly offer is in honouring this great legacy and continue the struggle for peace and justice everywhere for all people. To answer their calls of distress , from suffering persecution and the evils of war and violence, and defend their freedoms as the Great generation once did to protect ours. 

Let us affirm that we are alive and will not let injustice in this world go unanswered.

Today we mourn the fallen - long years of love and talent lost, of potential unrealized, of generations unborn. We would have them know of our firm and steadfast belief they rest not in the darkness of forgotten history, but in the light of the Canadian sun, our minds and hearts full with the promise to never let them be forgotten.

We will remember them.