Lest we forget

[Every Breaking Wave]

I seem to make one of these threads every year.

As you all know, today is November 11th. In Canada, the United Kingdom, and the rest of the Commonwealth countries it is Remembrance Day; in Europe, Armistice Day; in the United States, Veterans Day. Today is a day where we gather together and remember all of those people who gave their lives for what we hold so dear, and frequently take for granted: our freedom. Because of their sacrifices it is possible for us to live our lives the way we choose. Because of their sacrifice it is possible for debates and discussions, which we find so common in the board, to take place.

Some of us know people personally who have been involved in armed conflicts. Many of us have distant relatives who fought in the past. Today let us all, left-wing and right, band together and remember the millions who sacrificed their lives for our futures, for our lives, and for our freedoms.

They fought not for their present, but for the futures of their descendants who they would never even know. Let us look to the future too, instead of the present; the world needs it more than ever. Let's remember them with honour today, and all that they gave so their dreams of a free and safe world can live on. We need to remember the past so that our futures, and the futures of our descendants, are bright. Go to a service today and wear your poppies with pride; it is the least that any of us can do.

Lest we forget...

 

[Falconwing]

Soldiers of the red, white, blue, or whatever color is on your flag. If you be friend of the United States, I salute you. Fight hard and fight proud, so no one will ever have to fight again.

 

[Falcon Punch]

One of the better and more thought out threads posted in this section of the website

Lest we forget.

 

[Netto Azure]

We must all remember the sacrifices made for our own lives. It should be our duty to make sure their lives are not lost in vain and that they are properly recognized for their contributions.

Happy Veterans day for those in the US, and Armistice Day for those in Europe and Remembrance day to the British-associated countries.

 

[Eredar Warlock]

Made all the more potent here in the states after the Fort Hood Massacre.

*Salute*

 

[Fig]

Stickied for the day, in memory of all those who gave their life so that we could be here today.

 

[Nicoleta01]

A thank-you to my mother, 20 years of service [1986-2006] under President George H.W. Bush, President William Clinton, and President George W. Bush.

And a thank-you for all veterans and those still serving in the Armed Forces around the world.

 

[evkl]

Their service is always sort of amazing to think about, all the sacrifices they make willingly; it's why we're here and free.

 

[Steven]

I would like to show my gratitude to all veterans for getting me a day off from classes today. =P

 

[Every Breaking Wave]

Sick bastards:

From CBC News

Cenotaphs vandalized

Members of Fredericton's Royal Canadian Legion are asking vandals who destroyed part of the city's cenotaph to turn themselves in as the organization prepares for Remembrance Day.

Jean-Guy Perrault, the president of Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion, arrived at the cenotaph on Monday morning to decide where to place the crosses for Wednesday's Remembrance Day ceremony. That's when he noticed that the cenotaph had been heavily damaged in places.

"I almost fell on my knees. It hurt. Like I said … how can people sleep at night who did that — for the poor soldiers who fought for our country, for what we have that is so beautiful," Perrault said.

The cenotaph is the site of the main Remembrance Day event in the provincial capital. A three-metre-high granite cross atop the monument was toppled to the ground and smashed into pieces.

David Smith, who worked with the Royal Canadian Legion on the cenotaph project, said it will be difficult to explain to veterans when they arrive on Nov. 11 why this vandalism took place.

"I think its devastating to take into consideration the number of fallen people that we've had and this is a heck of a way to remember them and at this time of the year," Smith said.

"And to devastate this particular monument is terrible."

Perrault said while he thinks the cenotaph can be fixed, he wants the vandals to step forward.

"Please come forward, excuse yourself, the damage is done … come forward, why did you do that," Perrault said.

"Please I'm begging, come to the legion, come talk to me, please. My heart is broken, really broken."

Fredericton police are investigating.

Community support

A support group was created on the social networking site Facebook on Monday afternoon to help repair the cenotaph.

Donations are being collected to repair the monument.

"I can't believe that someone would vandalize this! I have made a donation in honour of my grandfather Warren Steen, who fought to keep our country free," writes one supporter.

"This is incomprehensible," writes another. "As a veteran I find it appalling that anyone would destroy a symbol of peace where such a high price in sacrifice has been paid and continues to be paid today."

The federal government also denounced the act in a statement.

"The senseless damage done to this memorial dishonours the memory of these brave men and women," said Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "It saddens the entire community."

Also from CBC News

Fredericton rallies around vandalized cenotaph

There was a large turnout at all Remembrance Day ceremonies across New Brunswick but at the provincial cenotaph in Fredericton, Legion officials believe a record was set.

An overflowing crowd surrounded Fredericton's cenotaph, with some people standing six people deep as they remembered those Canadian soldiers who served in wars and peacekeeping missions.

Royal Canadian Legion officials say the large crowd was due in part to reports of the vandalism that damaged the monument last weekend.

A three-metre-high granite cross atop the monument was toppled and smashed.

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said he expected a strong showing at Wednesday's ceremony considering the overwhelming response that the city has received in the days after the cenotaph was vandalized.

"I am not surprised that this will be the largest turnout that we have ever seen," Woodside said.

Jean-Guy Perrault, the president of Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion, said the large turnout was "amazing."

"I was really upset. I didn't sleep for two days," he said. "But today, what the people of Fredericton did, it's amazing, it's amazing.

"They showed their support and I thank them again."

Fredericton Police are investigating the vandalism.

TD Bank Financial offers donation

A New Brunswick veteran attends Remembrance Day ceremonies in Fredericton. (CBC)CBC News has learned that TD Bank Financial Group will put $25,000 into restoring the provincial war memorial. Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna is the chairman of the financial institution.

Fredericton Conservative MP Keith Ashfield deplored the vandalism, but he said something positive came from it.

"I think it has strengthened the resolve of people," he said.

"Judging from the outpouring of response to that incident — both monetarily and a lot of people have commented on it straight across the country — I think it has strengthened the resolve of all Canadians."

Ashfield said Ottawa will contribute money to the fund to repair the granite cross.

"There is an opportunity to enhance our memorial here," Ashfield said.

"I think we have an obligation to ensure that people understand and remember the sacrifice that people have given for our country. I believe with the money both from the federal government and monies coming in from a lot of different organizations we can enhance this very spot."

Perrault said members of the Legion will meet Thursday to start plans to restore the cenotaph.

"It will be more secure. … Because they cannot destroy that again," he said. "As long as I live, I don't want that it to happen. Never, never."

 

[Phoenicks]

Anyone who can destroy such a monument is undeserving of the protection they've received from the armed forces.

I'd just like to thank all of the armed forces out there, all of them. Thank you for keeping us safe at night and for allowing us to live free.

Lest we forget.

 

[ShinyFlareon]

Today, I remember my grandfather, who braved the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, my father for his years of service in the military, and all the men and women who have fought for my country -- and others.

Lest we forget.