By Mike Blais CD
Many Canadians reflect upon the National Day of Remembrance from a deeply personal perspective which often spans several generations of their respective family history. Canadians valiantly served their nation in two bloody World Wars, the Korean War, the Gulf War and a multitude of UN sponsored peacekeeping missions.
For decades, Canada contributed to the NATO alliance through the permanent deployment of a mechanized combat brigade and three squadrons of Royal Canadian Air Force CF-104s and later, CF -18’s in both France and then Western Germany. This deterrent was in place until the Soviet Union imploded and the freedom seeking citizens of the Warsaw Pact dismantled the Iron Curtain in 1989.
Alliance missions have since continued beginning with Canada’s contribution to the US led Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991. Canadians troops, under a UN mandate and the initial leadership of Major General Lewis Mackenzie, would lead the effort to restore peace to the civil war ravaged citizens of former Yugoslavia.
The War in Afghanistan, triggered by the horrific 9/11, 2001 terrorist attack on both the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, would culminate for Canada in 2014, after 158 valiant Canadians sacrificed their lives along with the thousands of physically and mentally traumatized veterans.
One can only guess at how many additional veterans have since succumbed to suicide.
The consequences on veterans have been profound. They are further cruelly enhanced through 24-7 news cycles and social media. In all previous wars, fatalities were interned on the global battlefields on which they were fought. However the Afghanistan Fallen were publicly repatriated to Canada and ultimately interned either at Beechwood National War Cemetery in Ottawa or in graveyards near their homes across the nation.
Who can forget the emotional televised images we have witnessed as the repatriated bodies arrived at CFB Trenton in flag draped coffins? Who could forget the heart wrenching, raw emotion on display when mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and children approached the casket of their loved one for the first time? Canadians rallied by the thousands, assembling on dozens of bridges spanning the Highway of Heroes, at the Coroner’s Office in Toronto and then within communities across the nation as the Fallen were returned to their respective communities.
Lest we forget.
First remember the dead, and after the 11th hour, reflect upon the living who have made such great sacrifice in our name.
Let us then honour the national sacrifice of our veterans. Let us acknowledge those tens of thousands of Canadians across Canada who selflessly signed the “blank Cheque”. Of those, think of those who have subsequently been scarred, oft times catastrophically, in mind, body and soul, through deployments in war, peacekeeping and during natural disasters and tragedies at home and
abroad.
Valour in the Presence of the Enemy.
I cannot think of a more meaningful gesture during Remembrance Week, than taking a moment to support General (ret’d) Rick Hillier and his team’s quest to have the Star of Military Valour citation for Private Jesse Larochelle reviewed. New information has been brought forward that must be included before any decision affirming Laroche’s Star of Valour, (Canada’s second highest decoration for Valour). Or as General Hillier, myself and thousands of others would prefer, revoking the citation and formally awarding Private Larochelle the first Canadian Victoria Cross.
Unfortunately, to date, the current government has failed to address the situation despite Valour in the Presence of the Enemy’s dedicated efforts through parliamentary petitions and opposition sponsored private member’s bills.
Apparently, Canadian veterans need to make this a personal issue between us and the Prime Minister of Canada.
On Remembrance Day
I would encourage you fulfill your commemoration of the fallen until the conclusion of the November 11, Remembrance Day services. Afterwards, I ask you to take a moment to send a personal email directly to the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau requesting that his government formally support a review of Private Jesse Larochelle’s Star of Valour citation with the intent of instead awarding this valiant soldier the first Canadian Victoria Cross.
Numbers matter so be proactive and encourage your family members, friends and those with whom you are parading, and attending memorial services, to participate. We need force multipliers. Only if we can generate sufficient momentum will there be change.
Sending an Email is not a waste of time. Emails must be formally documented, and as our numbers grow, they will need to be collated. Eventually, the issue will be brought directly to the attention of the Prime Minister who will, hopefully, understand avoidance or an unfavourable response will directly result in the loss of thousands of veteran’s votes during the next
election.
Be the one person who’s email provides the tipping point and catalyst for success. Embrace the spirit of the nation, stand for valour, and for the country.
Pro Patria
Blazer
