"Lest we forget.
Upon closer scrutiny of the monument offered for fallen sons of Rockport, I immediately saw the surnnames and recognized Massey, Buell and Donovan as sons of pioneer founding families of Rockport. Their names appear on other historical murals sprinkled around the village to "educate" visitors about the distinguished heritage of this old community.
Four names... Sergeant M.H Lambert, Gunner C.A Massey Jr, Flight Sergeant L.P Donovan and Paratrooper J.D Buell... all killed in action during World War II between 1939 and 1949
I suddenly realized that these young men... all of them... had most likely looked upon the St Lawrence River panorama... which now served as a backdrop to their cairn of remembrance. Another name arose from within "Me." Captain Matthew Dawe, Company C, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia Light Infantry. Killed serving in Afghanistan on July 7th, 2007.
In my post of Remembrance... November 11th last year, I fully revealed Matthew's connection to my own life and to my family. From the day of his senseless passing... Remembrance will forever have a face for "Me"... and I shall remember even that much more strongly his sacrifice... and the sacrifice of all young men and women... in all wars... and on every side. Unfortunately... it is most often the case, that the youngest and the very best of our humankind end up being the "cannon fodder" for politicians who orchestrate war... yet never feel the heat of battle... or the grief of an incomprehensible loss to a parent... a wife or a child... who forever must try to make sense of that loss and move on to living out their days... remembering faded photographs... a last hug or kiss... or a smile that has been forever extinguished.
I went to Gananoque and purchased a replacement flag worthy of their sacrifice, and with visiting friends we installed in on the flag staff. I had to attend a meeting near Peterborough some three hours away... so I missed my first organized public Remembrance ever. But before leaving this morning, Deb and I observed our own service of Remembrance... and left our poppies attached to the Legion's Ensign.
In our very own, deeply personal and deeply felt offering... The four fallen sons of Rockport... and "You" dearest Matt... are indeed remembered... still cherished... and NEVER... forgotten!
Thank you to all veterans and families... as you celebrate and remember in your own personal way!
Princess Patricia Light Infantry
Killed in action, July 7th, 2007
"Where Have All the Flowers Gone" - oil on panel 12x10 inches
Gifted to Mrs. Tara Dawes and her son Lucas
Rest in Peace Brave Hearts!....
Your painting is beautiful and your remembrance even more so, Bruce. Both Michael and I have family that settled in Canada (the Edgars and the Masseys). It also bothers me to see a flag flying that is tattered by weather. That is not showing pride and respect, in my opinion. Thank you for righting that particular wrong.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Sherry!... Thank you for visiting and for once again adding your own thoughts to the blog and for for your supportive comments!
ReplyDeleteI feel better in my own way... that the cenotaph serves its intended purpose. I am blessed ... as are my children to have escaped the cruelty that war brings all who must participate in it!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
The act of replacing the flag will have touched many hearts. Those people are too important to forget, without their sacrifice the world would be very different.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Lisa!... Simple... an random acts of thoughtfulness and kindness are the most meaningful to those who face trying times such as illness and personal loss.
ReplyDeleteSometimes all that we can offer is our simple presence... in times when words alone,simply cannot never suffice!
Thank you for your own poppy of Remembrance. It resonated in my heart too!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Placing the new flag was such a thoughtful, respectful, and loving thing to do! My cousin, Derek Martin, fought in Afghanistan and was wounded four years ago. He recovered and went back! (He is an officer in the US Army and formerly a Ranger in the Marines, but is Canadian born). He in no longer over there but the years that he was were of great concern for all of us in our family. My father served in World War II in the army and I have two uncles (his brothers) who also served. My grandfather was seriously wounded at Vimy Ridge in World War I. All the people who fought for our freedom deserve to be remembered.
ReplyDeleteHi there Karen!... Thanks for visiting... an for sharing your own personal reasons for Remembrance in your own family.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the reasons that I have already shared... I too had two uncles who served in WWII. One was wounded seriously at the D-Day invasion at Normandy... and the other seriously wounded in Italy and a prisoner of war for the rest of the time he was there.
Though he has long passed on now... he always related to our family the fact that his German doctors who administered to him and the nursing staff... treated him as one of their own and were nothing but supportive in his full recovery and safe return to Canada.
That has always helped me to overcome the notion that all Germans were villainous and inhumane. Soldiers are merely men... given the onerous task of entering battle on behalf of their country's belief system.
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi Bruce thank you for the beautiful and poetic rememberance post for this special day. I am so glad you got a replacement flag and that those you gave their lives will stay remembered in our hearts for always.
ReplyDeleteHi there Caroline!... Thanks for dropping by... and for your encouraging remarks!
ReplyDeleteWe all have so many to thank for the quality of life and freedom that we are privileged to have.
The least we can do is to honour their sacrifice by living our lives more fully and to remember them!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce