War has been a part of human culture from the beginning of time and every November 11th we recognize those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms but I took some time to think about the other side of Remembrance Day.
For as long as I remember, the thoughts I’ve had about Remembrance Day have been the violence that is mostly associated with war but as I participated in the Moment Silence at my work, I decided to think of everything EXCEPT the violence of war. Don’t get me wrong I’m not pushing the brutality of war aside, I just wanted to think about the children, wives, families and communities affected by war.
I can’t imagine the horror of young and old men everywhere when they realized that their country is calling them to leave home and pick up arms and fight. Some became draft dodgers, others went but one thing to think on is that they had to leave their families and way of life to venture into an unknown world. Who knows if that kiss bye is a kiss goodbye.
As these sons and daughters of war are away from home, families left behind try to cope. Financial hardships, kids without both parents, babies born who might never know their Fathers. This is simply the tip of the iceberg. Think of all of the late nights that family members lay awake praying for their hero’s safe return. How will they return? What have they experienced? Will be who they used to be? So many questions.
I thank God I have not had to be faced with these questions.
I thank God that we have people protecting our way of life.
I thank God for those brave enough to proudly train, travel and proudly wear a uniform.
I thank God when war is avoided and when troops come home.
My Moment of Silence was a little different this year, but my prayers for peace are the same.
SI “the Saluting Our Troops” Photosapien