Remembrance Day, 2009

National War Memorial

by jamieson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure. Thomas Jefferson, 1787.

From the disease-and-muck-laden trenches
the fearful misery, pain and suffering of
two world wars, the Korean conflict and now
the foreign ramparts of Afghanistan,
Canadian troops have responded to the cry of battle
for justice in the world. In the face of injustice
of atrocities whispered and deplored, Canada
responded. This response, our military history.

Now, at the armistice; the 11th hour of the
11th day of the 11th month, Canada mourns
the tragedy of human dissonance
in recalling the sacrificed lives of the young
and hale, the maimed and the heartbroken
returnees, who never again spoke of the
agony experienced, atrocities witnessed.
The deeply-scarred, the psychic misery
of nightmares lived, time refusing to
diminish their fearsome impact.

Canadians in all their generations
pay homage to those who lie in
Flanders Fields and beyond, wearing
the blood-red poppy of remembrance.
At the capital's War Memorial veterans,
garbed densely in musty uniforms, proudly
displaying medals glinting in the sun,
gather as war-experienced elders
greeted by their Chief of Staff, the country's
Prime Minister, as orders are called
for assembled regiments' response.

No wild wind this day, nor dark scudding clouds,
sleet or rain, nor snow to confront the
Silver Cross Mother of this year. The solemn
pomp and ceremony honours the nation's
young soldiers, diligent and courageous in war
and in peace. School children sing their choirs
of sweet lament and wistfully tragic hymns.
The focus of the nation on this sad
auspicious day commemorating a nation's
dedication to freedom, in honour of its heritage;
the country's reliance and gratitude toward
its sons and daughters who selflessly serve.

Blood-red poppies in grave abundance
will grace the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
speaking mutely yet volubly of Canadian
indebtedness to those who willingly
surrender themselves, steadfastly uphold
and defend values we hold fast and dear.

Each city, every town and hamlet
across this vast land, from the far reaches of
Nunavut, toward Newfoundland and stretching
over to British Columbia (ad mer a mer)
from sea to sea to sea, mount their
ceremonies of remembrance to our
dedicated fallen, those frail yet robust
survivors in a nation's grateful memory.

Oh Canada, We Stand on Guard For Thee.
Time shall not age them. We shall
remember them. This we vow to thee.
Universal liberty and justice, handmaidens
to human grace and triumph. Their valiant hearts
ever treasured memories. Peace ensured.
Rest in tranquility. Your sacrifice obligates
grateful memories, assures safety, security.
Your duty accomplished, ours to memorialize.