I wrote this for Remembrance Day 2003, but it still stands just as true for
today, Remembrance Day 2005.

------begin-import------

Yes, I do take the opportunity to take some time off to remember
those who have participated in the military so that I and my
country could have the freedom and prosperity that we enjoy today!

I can't necessarily say that every soldier who died "made a
sacrifice" since so many would not have been there if they had any
choice -- but they were trained in the army in such a way as to
immediately follow orders, without too much questioning about the
potential risks/consequences -- so they "were sacrificed," we could
say (by their commanders, whether commanding officers in the field,
or those back home leading the wars), but they didn't necessarily
"make a sacrifice" (a far greater deed, deserving of every honour!)

HOWEVER, the fact that ANY exist who did MAKE the sacrifice
knowingly and willingly, to me, gives all the credence to this day
of remembrance and honour. . .

It is to those noble and brave few that I dedicate my time of
honouring on this November 11th, this year, in 2003.

Especially for my former neighbour, and friend, Jack Fast, who
joined the Navy AFTER the attack on Pearl Harbour (so he wasn't in
the military already, trying for a good education -- he went in,
AFTER the war came to North America, so his personal risk was
greater, and he KNOWINGLY went in anyway!)

He gave up millions of dollars in potential profits, which is what
the other west coast fishermen who owned their own boats made
during the war (people in fisheries had an automatic exemption from
doing military service, but Jack waived that, because he considered
it to be so important!)

He worked on the escort ships that escorted supply/etc. freighters
across the Atlantic -- he often had to help rescue drowning victims
of torpedo attacks on other boats -- that was the worst part for
him, the people trying desperately to hang onto the ropes/life
preservers, while the winds and waves were thumping them against
the side of the ship. . .

But he hung in there and did more than was his duty, for all of us!

Now, to me, THAT is a hero!

Thankfully the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes his
extraordinary sacrifice too, in that he has a special designation
on his pension, for those who joined the military AFTER the war
started!

He's in a care home now, because it was getting too tiring to look
after his own chores/etc. (he's 88 years old this past October!)

Do you know of anyone who especially stands out in your mind as
deserving recognition/remembrance on this day (November 11th, the
anniversary of the ending of first World War, a day set aside to
remember ALL veterans and their efforts.)? :)

------end------
Because I care,
<+]::-{)}  (Cyberpope(the Bishop of ROM!))


--- PPoint 1.76