Lest we forget

Re: Freedom always comes at a cost, Editorial, Nov. 9

As a young man, I remember visiting my dad’s friends from the First World War, Bert and Pip. I would listen to their stories about battles like the Somme, Vimy Ridge, and the hell they experienced. Their faces had become worn by time, and tears might come to their eyes, while talking about those comrades- inarms who were killed in the trenches, or recently passed.

It was just wonderful listening to these men, who no longer had the glow of youth, but quickly I realized what a bond had been created between them, all having experienced the fears, and horrors of war.

Canada’s young, from farms, small towns, and big cities, quickly awakened to the realities of the potential cruelty of this world of ours. They faced not only the harshness of the elements, shell bombardments, rapid fire from machine guns, rifle fire, and chemical attacks, but also experienced the terrible pain of seeing brave young soldiers often friends, become casualties of war. Few heroes of the past remain today, to tell their stories, but their bravery and sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Let’s also not forget the military presently serving our nation in so many distant lands. They are continuing the legacy of those Canadian soldiers from the past, who earned the respect of so many countries, while defending our nation, and our freedom.

Peter J Middlemore Sr., Windsor, Ont.