'Forever Young', a song that was inspired by the people of Wootton Bassett for the silent and moving way they repatriate our fallen troops through the town. All involved in the production of this song gave of their time and talent for free, and we heard that all profits from this song are donated to the Charity 'Afghan Heroes' who's goal it is to help and support the families of those affected by the war.

A navy veteran is fighting for a disability pension. Read his story here: Navy veteran fighting for disability pension.

As we are remembering the 100th anniversary of World War I, the great grandson of Finlay Beaudry has sent us an audio recording of his grandfather who served in World War I.

Here is a link of the story of my great grandfather who served in WWI.

Finlay Beaudry talks about WW1 with Erle Currie and others.

On the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the first world war, and to honour those who served, we have a new poem by Hazel (Packham) Lindgren titled The Canadian. She wrote it in 1944 while she was a student at Northern Secondary School in Toronto.

A new charity song co-written by rock star Bryan Adams doesn't just pay tribute to the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry - the singers are the Edmonton-based wives of the soldiers.

Edmonton military wives sing on Bryan Adams-penned charity song

St. George, N.B. has found an additional way of paying respect to local veterans.

Banners in N.B. town honour local veterans

This year we have photos from Campbell River, BC.

Campbell River had a very good turnout for the Remembrance Day Ceremony although it was a rather cold and wet day.

The Princess Patricia Cadet Corp taking part in the Ceremony looked very smart indeed.

Skyler, one of the cadets lays his poppy at the base of the Cenotaph

A salute in honour of those who fought for our freedom

This was sent to us in 2009 and it bears repeating today.

TMidnight in the European countryside, carrying all of their provisions, including their rifles and ammo, they waded through an ice-cold river, as they heard the sudden order to stop and stand still. Lines of men halted as the water quietly-rushed around them, knowing that any of their movements could give their position away. Standing there in the dark, wet and cold, they could not even afford to let out a shiver, as their hands shook while keeping their rifles above water. Even the crickets had stopped chirping on this moonless night, testing each man's endurance over hunger, sleep, and their basic human needs. The order, which could last a few minutes or a few hours, seemed to last an eternity. For each man knew that their life depended on the man in front of them, and that each of their actions would define the course of history.

It was a different time then. A time when the words "life and death" held more gravity to our everyday lives than they ever could today, and a time when all Canadians became brothers and sisters against one enemy. Trust amongst men was easier to find then, than in today's wired times. World War II had arrived at our borders and was threatening our way of life. We could only fall to the future dictators, or we could rise against them as one common force, as proud Canadians. The choice was obvious, but not simple.

At home, the families of our returning injured troops were provided a pamphlet, issued by the Canadian Armed Forces, instructing us on how to "prepare" for their return home. The instructions included subjects on how to knit covers for their amputated limbs, how to "accommodate" for their physical handicaps, how to avoid certain discussion topics, and how to "act" upon their return home. These were the same fathers and sons, who had left us months ago, returned to us now with not only their visible scars, but with the scars that only war could bring. For many, their return was enough, as many more did not return at all.

In the future, we will only be able to imagine what each man was thinking as the waist-deep water seeped through their uniform. As for today, we do not need our imaginations, as these heroes are still here living among us, within our generation. We are still fortunate enough to hear their stories first-hand. All we need to do is ask. Our veterans are the superheroes of our proud Canadian history and are the living icons of our Canadian heritage experience. Our current good fortune is due to their sacrifices, their courage, and their pride, as Canadians, to fight for their beliefs. Ideals which our current societies seem to have forgotten. Their stories should be "compulsory teaching" in our schools, taking precedence over any "spiritual" or "ethical" lessons we are foolishly attempting to provide today. These men and women must be afforded the greatest of honour and respect from each one of us, as without them our world would simply not be, our world.

As the leaves fall and silently hit our yards, we know they have done their job in supporting the trees from which they came. Just like the men and women who sacrificed their lives and livelihoods to allow us the freedom and opportunities we hold today. Yet, unlike our leaves, our fallen rarely went down in silence, while carrying our dreams and our futures with them. Whether by taking a stand against world dictators or to protect our own Canadian way of life, all members of our society collectively fought together as one common force. Wearing the poppy not only allows us to remember the people we lost in those struggles, but redefines our beliefs in their personal sacrifices. For only those proudly wearing the poppy each year, can truly see the honour behind the flower.

So when you see our veterans proudly selling poppies, go over and share a smile with them. Ask them about their stories, and about their lives. Their words have more meaning to us than any Hollywood script could capture.

Buying a poppy is the very least that they deserve from us, and is guaranteed to give you the most patriotic feeling, that you have felt in a long time. Knowing that these stories come from real people, in real times, could only add to our own experiences, right here in our time.

R. Ghandhi

A CANADIAN CREED

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly spells out the principles upon which our country was founded - namely, that our customs as a nation and as individuals are governed by the rule of law, and that freedom of conscience and religion are fundamental rights for all citizens.

Canada is a free and democratic country based on tolerance and respect for human rights of all people.

As Canadians we have the freedom to choose our governments, to speak our minds, to practice our religions and to preserve our ancestral traditions.

We welcome into our country, and into our citizenship, people from all parts of the world and we share with them our rights and freedoms.

We regard people of all nations as our friends; we send our troops to foreign lands to preserve peace and to restore freedom and human rights to oppressed people.

Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms we enjoy equal rights and benefits under the law, without any discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, age, or mental or physical disability.

Because we are blessed in being permitted to live in Canada, it is our duty and privilege to extend to others those rights which we have come to enjoy.

Whether I was born in Canada or chose this land as my country, I can say with a clear mind and a joyous heart that:

"I AM PROUD TO BE CANADIAN"

Copyright 2006 (c) The Honourable Albert Ludwig

"A Soldiers Love Story-Vietnam" was made by Own Shaw and can be viewed on YouTube Owen Shaw. A Soldiers Love Story-Vietnam

This is a story about the Canadian connection to the Vietnam war that spanned 1962-1975. But it is also a love story. Canada had not officially entered the war, but thousands of Canadian citizens volunteered or allowed themselves to be drafted into the US military. This is is a story of one such volunteer soldier. The real inspiration for this story came from a Vietnamese mother I met in Toronto, who had escaped from Vietnam, risking her life in over-crowded boats with her three sons. She volunteers her story to anyone who will listen.

If I Should Fall - Cdn Afghan War Film Wins Best Documentary US premiere Amelia Island Florida

"If I Should Fall" The Canadian Afghan War Documentary received best documentary award Sunday night (Feb. 26) at the 4th Annual Amelia Island Film Festival, Florida. During presentation organizers said "If I Should Fall" was the best documentary seen in the four years the festival has been running.

Based on the life and death of Ain-Ebel born Lebanese soldier Trooper Marc Diab, The Royal Canadian Dragoons, who was killed by an IED March 8th, 2009. Diab's funeral received national attention in Canada. As have all repatriated Canadian Soldiers.

"If I Should Fall" tells the story of Diab's life growing up in Lebanon and Canada, the sacrifice of his family, ad the honour and closeness of the soldiers and the military family.

Considered by many to be the most unique film of the Afghan war, "If I Should Fall" found a very receptive and appreciative American audience. Many of whom had their own connections through families who had served in the US forces. In post screening Q&A, consensus of the American audience was "If I Should Fall" is a film that needs to be seen and appreciated in the United States.

Amelia Islands was the first US based festival for "If I Should Fall". And first US Best Documentary award recognition.

To date, the film has won best documentary in two Canadian festivals. Festival screenings world wide in 2012 TBA.

All proceeds of sale of DVD of this film to charity: Military Families Fund. Marc Diab Children's Foundation.

LEST WE FORGET - Wear a Poppy to show your respect on Remembrance (Veterans) Day

Craig Goodwin is a Master Seaman in the Canadian Navy. His song, aptly named Sacrifice, is dedicated to all those who suffered during war time. We are very proud to share his chis heartfelt composition that reminds us to respect and honour our veterans. Click here to download his song, or watch it on YouTube

November approaches with a Lesson

November 6, 2010

LEST WE FORGET - Wear a Poppy to show your respect on Remembrance (Veterans) Day A lesson that should be taught in all schools .... And colleges Back in September, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks. 'Ms.. Cothren, where're our desks?' She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.' They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.' 'No,' she said. 'Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No, it's not even your behaviour.' And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom. By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room. The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.' At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven (27) War Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall... By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned.. Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.' We Will Remember Thank you, Veterans, With sincere gratitude from all Canadians © spiritofcanada.com 2007 All rights reserved.