Brothers in Arms

[Retired_Can_Soldier]

The news today is very sad. As the clock ticks slowly down for my Son's return, I can't begin to express the anguish a parent feels when we hear of these tragedies.

It is easier of course when the names are released, but when names are withheld it is an emotional time. My wife cannot watch the news and waits for a phone call, an email that reassurres us that our Son is safe and sound.

I know a thing or two about loss. One of my Brothers was taken from us when he was just seven and though my Mother carried on and raised her other sons she never quite recovered from the grief. When she died a few years ago I thought to myself. It's your time now, go home to him, be with him, we will carry on. She slipped away and was gone moments after the life support was shut down.

My heart truly breaks for the families of my fallen comrades. Their lives are now in turmoil, a fog of disbelief. Only after the parades, the funerals and words of comfort by many people will the sense of loss truly begin to seep in.

When it does, there will be sadness, anger, crisis in faith. These poor folk, Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Wife and Child. They will bear the burden now as we squabble about who's right and who's wrong. Their lives are changed forever.

I would ask that we take a moment to show respect, in our thoughts and in our words. Whether you support ther Mission in Afghanistan or not is not really relevant. These young soldiers who paid the the ultimate price share one common thread with every one of us.

They were Canadian.

http://silviapecota.com/media/downloads/Fallen_ppcli.jpg

 

[Crusader]

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
-Matthew 5:9

 

[Canadian with a hyphen]

The news today is very sad. As the clock ticks slowly down for my Son's return, I can't begin to express the anguish a parent feels when we hear of these tragedies.

It is easier of course when the names are released, but when names are withheld it is an emotional time. My wife cannot watch the news and waits for a phone call, an email that reassurres us that our Son is safe and sound.

I know a thing or two about loss. One of my Brothers was taken from us when he was just seven and though my Mother carried on and raised her other sons she never quite recovered from the grief. When she died a few years ago I thought to myself. It's your time now, go home to him, be with him, we will carry on. She slipped away and was gone moments after the life support was shut down.

My heart truly breaks for the families of my fallen comrades. Their lives are now in turmoil, a fog of disbelief. Only after the parades, the funerals and words of comfort by many people will the sense of loss truly begin to seep in.

When it does, there will be sadness, anger, crisis in faith. These poor folk, Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Wife and Child. They will bear the burden now as we squabble about who's right and who's wrong. Their lives are changed forever.

I would ask that we take a moment to show respect, in our thoughts and in our words. Whether you support ther Mission in Afghanistan or not is not really relevant. These young soldiers who paid the the ultimate price share one common thread with every one of us.

They were Canadian.

http://silviapecota.com/media/downloads/Fallen_ppcli.jpg

RCS.. this brought tears to my eyes ..
their mission is hounourable,it takes unique men to face the daily challenges in Afghanistan..
May your son have a safe return home...May all soldiers do...
God Bless them and their mission.

Rachelle-

 

[Sassylassie]

To the Fallen Soldier's family, my heart felt condolences.

RCS, may your son come home safe.

 

[Curiosity]

RetiredCanadianSoldier

I too have spent time in your agony. I hear you and understand.
The impotence of unspent resentment of how "things are" brings us to our knees where bargaining is of no use. Pride becomes an empty word - even in our shame of acknowledging our fear.

Writing about it gives comfort and you can teach us to know from your words what it is like sharing your loved ones with a cause which is always noble - for your country - but is so deeply personal it is difficult to keep the anger at bay.

I think of the small oil lamps in windows in ages past, loved ones waiting for the ships to return in the storm. Hope unrelenting.

Amidst all of the pain somehow life does go on and when the pain becomes a memory, it somehow enriches us as people. WC

 

[Outta here]

RCS and WC

Your words speak to what's in my heart too.

Loss and the fear of loss - to endure waiting for the return of a loved one, or news that they are safe must be close to unbearable.

I add my prayers for the safe return of all in harm's way.

 

[Mogz]

What I miss most

I miss the lads.
I miss those crisp clear nights,
when the frost glistens in the moonlight.
I miss those lonely exposed hills,
lashed by the rain.
I miss the young and innocent faces,
some of whom we’ll never see again.
I miss the laughter and the crack.
I miss their morbid humour,
the childish pranks and unspoken laws.
I miss the sense of belonging,
that unique bond.
I miss youth at it’s best,
though I’ll grow old, unlike the rest.
What I miss most ?
I miss the lads.

-James Love

 

[Lineman]

To the families first and foremost, my sincerest and heartfelt sympathies. I know in this time of extreme sorrow it may not mean much coming from a stranger but my family and I are eternally grateful for their service to our country and protecting us from whomever would do us harm. Mourn now for your loss but in the future hold your heads high and speak of them with pride.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

You break my heart Soldier. As a student of history with a special interest in Canada's role in the wars of the 20th century, and especially what my parents' and grandparents' generations did in Europe, this is a deeply emotional subject for me, but I'll make no apology for that.

Remember this, people, remember this, and the next one, and the next, because there will be more. Next November 11th, get out there, take part in the services and ceremonies by which we honour our war dead, never mind how you may feel about this war or our role in it, that's not what it's about. It's about those who fell in the service of what they believed was their duty and the ideals this nation stands for, and that deserves respect and commendation. You may disagree with the policy decisions that sent our young people into harms way, you may think Canada's role in this is wrong, or even evil, but you can't pin that on the young people out there on the line, nor can you prove a case against them, they're not the right targets for that. Those out there on the line deserve nothing but our respect and all the support we can give them.

And for those who come home to their loved ones in a casket, we can only grieve and mourn our losses as a nation and as individuals, and hope the numbers will be very small. Next November 11th I'll be standing near the Cenotaph in Regina's Victoria Park, with the poppy pinned to my lapel, and I will weep, as I always do.

 

[zoofer]

They died so that we may live. They died for Canada and Afghanistan. We must remember.