Why I Stop To Remember
I am thankful for moments like this, in this life of mine.
Maybe you have one that you appreciate the most too, especially on this day.
Remembrance Day is necessary,
Not just a free day off [if you’re lucky] to frolick with glee, but a cautious reminder of the price the world pays for “freedom.”
We stop and gather, stand silently with fellow Vancouverites or humans
To unite among pain.
So much pain is audible in that silence:
palpable pain of war and what that means.
We can witness the effect of war on everyone, even now
The past, the present day, even the unknown future in those areas that still believe it’s the only answer
Those living in war stricken countries
Those who died on account of war
Those who secure themselves through the over glorification of war
I’ve known people who have fled because of war
People who fought through it
People who still serve
Have had people in my family become victims of PTSD because of war
Then, there are people in Canada who don’t want to help those souls who are living in it
They don’t want to share
They too are living in fear.
We are lucky here, for the opportunity to chase these chosen moments of freedom, and to hold them close.
As we glue ourselves together on the cement or in the grass, we listen
Pay respects to Veterans, organizations, many hurting hearts, some proud.
We pin poppies, we sing the songs, we bow our heads: we honour service, bravery, and devotion.
We place plastic wreaths on the ground in memoriam
But war is still among us,
Even though we may wish it was permanently eliminated from our vocabulary.
A moment of silence once a year is nice, but it’s not enough.