Proud2bCanadian

BENEDICTION OF RABBI REUVEN P. BULKA

Honourary Chaplain, Dominion Command, Royal Canadian Legion

Nous sommes ici pour nous souvenir et teamone. We remember the supreme sacrifice that so many Canadians made, and were ready to make, on land, in the air, at sea; the dead, the wounded, the survivors, the war widows - Anglophones, Francophones, natives, members of a wide range of ethnic and religious communities, we laud and applaud these heroic Canadians.

Today, we hear the welcome expression - We support our troops. But that does not tell it all. More than mere support, what should be on our lips and in our hearts is - we love our troops. Let’s say it together - We love our troops.

We love our troops because of their selflessness. We love our troops because of their unswerving love of Canada. We love our troops because of their bravery and their dignity in combat. And we love our troops because through them, we gain a more vivid, vital appreciation of all the veterans who fought, on behalf of Canada, for global freedom.

The act of remembrance is the imperative to express unrelenting thanks to our heroic veterans. We love our troops, we love and venerate our veterans, who fought for a world of peace and harmony.

That fight continues, and Canadian resolve is unabated. We yearn for the safe return of our troops to a tranquil, harmonious Canada.

As the troops fought and fight for freedom, ours is the supreme responsibility to give meaning to that freedom, by embracing the language of respect, the language of inclusion, the language of harmony - to thereby build gentle, caring communities wherein everyone feels welcome, at home and appreciated. That is the Canadian way.

We love our veterans and the freedom we enjoy thanks to them. We remember, with everlasting gratitude, by giving meaning and substance to that freedom. Let us together soldier on toward that goal. And may God bless our sacred partnership. Amen.

Our thanks to The Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command, Ottawa for providing us with this Remembrance Day Benediction.

This remembrance day poem entitled CROSSES was authored by Miss. Corley Farough of Taber, Alberta as Senior Poetry Winner of The Royal Canadian Legion Literary Contest 2007. We congratulate Corley and thank her for allowing us to share her poem with all Canadians.

CROSSES

Crosses are standing row after row. A silent reminder of men we don’t know. Men who have given up all of their lives. Men who left children and warm loving wives.

The long fearful wait then the tender goodbyes. The burden and sorrow, the look in their eyes. The brush of a hand cross the cheek of his girl. Then boarding the plane all at once in a whirl.

A strange country abroad with its sights and its smells. He thinks of his Canada and his heart nearly swells. Cause he’s brave and he’s strong and his hearts full of hope. With the war all around future plans help him cope.

He stands up for the good and the truth and the right. And he eats, dreams and sleeps with his gun in his sight. Reads letters from home again and again. His modest attempt to wash away pain.

This pain in his gut is not hunger or fear. But the loss of his innocence and all he holds dear. He looks at a photo all battered and torn. This face is the reason his heart feels forlorn.

In the pit of his soul is an ache he can’t mend. The news hits him hard of the death of a friend. The sickening feeling of loss only grows. As the fields keep filling with crosses in rows.

He puts on his helmet and picks up his gun. This battle for peace has only begun. If tomorrow will come he does not know. But crosses are standing, row after row.

Our thanks to The Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command, Ottawa for providing us with this Remembrance Day Poem.