Every November since 1921 Canadians have worn poppies. This red flower symbolizes the lost lives and blood of our soldiers. In the past and present they have fought for innocent victims in countries around the world and also protected our freedom here in Canada.
This past Tuesday evening we stood on the Holt Road Bridge for the repatriation procession of Master Cpl. Greffs. While waiting I looked up and saw all the comments and signatures that cover our Support The Troops flags. Once again I was reminded of how much we needed and felt your support and prayers for Michael and our family while he served in Afghanistan.
During our years of going to the bridge we have met many military family members. Many of them have seen and appreciated the yellow bow on the flag post in front of our church. One day last spring I arrived at the bridge earlier than usual. There was a lady who I'd never seen before, standing alone. She asked me about all the writing on our flags. I explained. With tears in her eyes she opened the flag that she had been clutching tightly in her hands. The writing on her flag stated her husbands name and the date of his death. We hugged. She went on to say how she was new to this area. She was feeling very isolated and really missing her military community and friends.
I shared this experience with our small group and some of my church friends. We prayed for her and her two children. May 18th was the 1st year anniversary of her husband’s death. As I pulled up in front of their home, the family had just returned from the military base in Petawawa after attending a memorial service for her husband. She was overwhelmed and very touched when I presented her with flowers and a card from people in our church that she didn’t even know. I told her that we all had been praying for her and her family. We wanted them to know that there were people in her new community thinking of them and aware of their great loss.
I encourage you to pin on a poppy and if you can, take the time to watch or attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony. When you see the Veterans, young and old, they want you to know that they are not in attendance for personal recognition or accolades. They are there to remember their brothers that did not return home with them. They are honouring those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Annette
This past Tuesday evening we stood on the Holt Road Bridge for the repatriation procession of Master Cpl. Greffs. While waiting I looked up and saw all the comments and signatures that cover our Support The Troops flags. Once again I was reminded of how much we needed and felt your support and prayers for Michael and our family while he served in Afghanistan.
During our years of going to the bridge we have met many military family members. Many of them have seen and appreciated the yellow bow on the flag post in front of our church. One day last spring I arrived at the bridge earlier than usual. There was a lady who I'd never seen before, standing alone. She asked me about all the writing on our flags. I explained. With tears in her eyes she opened the flag that she had been clutching tightly in her hands. The writing on her flag stated her husbands name and the date of his death. We hugged. She went on to say how she was new to this area. She was feeling very isolated and really missing her military community and friends.
I shared this experience with our small group and some of my church friends. We prayed for her and her two children. May 18th was the 1st year anniversary of her husband’s death. As I pulled up in front of their home, the family had just returned from the military base in Petawawa after attending a memorial service for her husband. She was overwhelmed and very touched when I presented her with flowers and a card from people in our church that she didn’t even know. I told her that we all had been praying for her and her family. We wanted them to know that there were people in her new community thinking of them and aware of their great loss.
I encourage you to pin on a poppy and if you can, take the time to watch or attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony. When you see the Veterans, young and old, they want you to know that they are not in attendance for personal recognition or accolades. They are there to remember their brothers that did not return home with them. They are honouring those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Annette
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