‘Empty tombs’ yet full of memories

By defnition cenotaph is defined as a tomb or a monument erected in honour of a person or group of persons whose remains are elsewhere. The word derives from the Greek kenos, meaning being ‘empty’, and taphos, ‘tomb’.

From coast to coast in our country there are approximately 6,000 of these memorials to veterans who put the common causes of peace, freedom and human rights above all else and who died in defence of those values. Canadians through their service in, the military, the merchant marine and the RCMP have for generations have made significant sacrifices to ensure that these values prevailed. These structures are living legacies to those who died, those who served and those who sacrificed at home.

In a few days, many will gather in solemn remembrance but we need to honour our Canadian heroes throughout the year, not only on November 11. Cenotaphs are stark reminders of the horrors of war and the courage and bravery of those who fought in the conflicts.

A large part of what it means to be Canadian lies in our history, in the legacy of our veterans who fought in all the wars and conflicts. That legacy is continuing today as Canadian men and women are serving around the world, including taking part in a dangerous mission in Afghanistan.

At a time like this it is hard not to think about the millions of Canadian men and women who have served overseas in protecting the freedom and basic human rights of people around the world.

So many of our families have members that participated in these international conflicts and some never came home. Several of my mother’s relatives were part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force that fought gallantly and spent the war as prisoners in Hong Kong. An action that for many years remained unacknowledged. This was also true of the merchant mariners who risked their lives to ensure that the supply lifelines to the battlefronts in Europe and the Pacific continued.

The horrors of the great wars affected every citizen and many who remained home contributed in ways that we now recognise and honour with the respect that is truly deserved.

Mom and Dad always called it Armistice Day as the 11th was commemorated as the day that the guns fell silent in the ‘War to end all wars’. Getting to a service was at times difficult but regardless of how cold wet or blustery the day was, we were expected as a family to visit such a place on that day and leave our poppies near the base of the memorial. It was a small gesture but one that over the years has become a tradition. Perhaps you too can make this effort, so that those who are still with us can see that we truly remember them.

On November 11, the DWC/DC Riders would like to offer free transportation to any senior who wishes to attend Remembrance Day services in Digby. You must book in advance by Sunday by calling 245-4634

kristy@ns.sympatico.ca