Veteran's Day Remembrance Day

This time of year seems to bring out the memories, the medals, the war stories, the tears and reflections. The problem with that is that it happens once a year. Patriotism seems to come out at holiday time and get tucked back into the closet for the rest of the year. 


Growing up on the east coast of Canada, we often traveled to Buffalo New York to visit family. I would always take notice of all the homes in New York State (along with the other 49) waving 'Old Glory' so proudly every day. There was never a good enough answer for me as to why Canadians never had our flag waving proudly off of 'our' front porches. 


It seems that Canadians are 'inwardly patriotic'. We acknowledge our Soldiers and War Veterans. We mark Remembrance Day with the reverence and honor it so richly deserves, but somehow the day-to-day patriotism that the Americans have just isn't present. 


Some of my best memories involve the Military in one form or another. From seeing my Godfather standing proudly in his Air Force uniform at CFB Trenton or being married to a well seasoned Soldier; my pledge to the Military has been steadfast and unyielding.


As Canadians, we grew up in school learning the prophetic poem 'In Flanders Fields', but again that only seems to get dusted off once a year and then tucked back for safe keeping. For a Soldier and their families, there is no 'turning on and off Patriotism'. It is there 24/7/365. It is a way of life, a daily struggle to find balance and always at the ready to give the ultimate sacrifice.


If you have ever asked yourself 'Why do we need Veteran's Day?' or 'What's the point of wearing a Poppy?' Stop, look in the mirror and say 'I'm free to complain because someone fought for my freedom'!  


Freedom has a price and it has been 'Written in Blood'. 


To all those who have served I say 'SEMPER FI', To all those who has lost I say, 'Your sacrifice was not in vain'. Finally, to those who choose not to stand behind their Military, I say ' STAND IN FRONT YOU'LL MAKE A MUCH BETTER TARGET'


DUTY, HONOR, INTEGRITY

SEMPER FI....excerpt from "Written in Blood"

SEMPER FI

Twisted shards of metal

Impacting the unprotected flesh

Screams of anguish echo in the loud silence

Blood trickles from the gaping wounds

Shell casings surround the tracks of war

Following the duty engulfed soldier

The soul slips into an eternal abyss

Internal tears the only solace remaining

The day lay in a harmonious peace

For death chooses no victors

War for them has ceased

Transforming each from veteran to victim

As the flames of a phoenix renew

So to does the life of a soldier

Redeemed through the vigilance

That awaits those who threaten the freedom

Enduring the separation from humanity

Compelled by honor and a sense of duty

Standing proud on the wall

The choice is made

Semper fi

I AM A SOLDIER.....excerpt from 'Written in Blood'

I  AM A SOLDIER

Long hours with little pay

Respected by my peers hated by others

Passport full of distant land stamps

Letters from home close to my heart

Voices and nightmares converge into one

Politicians deciding where I lay my head

Fed clothed and sheltered

Home is but a sheltered dream

A Brotherhood in Arms 

Sacrificing my life to save yours

I protect your home and your land

You call me a murderer to my face

I gave my blood sweat and tears

Never asking for anything in return

Freedom given with a cost

I’m a soldier and this is my life