/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/opinion/contributors/2019/11/11/today-i-think-of-sgt-robert-richards-who-died-two-days-before-i-was-born/ho9831z3.jpg)
On Oct. 14, we celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada. Though Parliament originally declared it, “a day of general thanksgiving to almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed,” it has taken on less religious meaning over the years. In fact, for people who aren’t at all religious but still grateful for the lives they lead, one wonders to whom they give thanks.
Less than a month later, we have reached what I have come to think of as Canada’s real day of thanksgiving — Remembrance Day.
It’s the day when the religious and the non-religious know exactly who to thank. We set aside two minutes to remember those who were killed fighting in Canada’s wars.
I confess that I am something of a military history buff. I have read many stories in many books about Canadians at war. I have visited Canadian battle sites, and cemeteries overseas. I make it a point to pass by war memorials wherever I find myself in Canada, for every town — no matter its size — has one.
All of that has made me understand that while it’s important to learn about the politicians who sent our soldiers to war, and about the generals who led them, and about those who distinguished themselves by winning medals, the most astonishing thing about Canada at war, and what is so emotionally overwhelming to consider, is that so many everyday citizens stepped up when their country called.
On Remembrance Day those are the people to thank. They forfeited their chance to enjoy the bounty of our land so that we could. History has little noticed most of them.
For example, from Ontario:
Army Sapper Vernon Postill from Paris, Ont., killed in France in 1916; 20 years old.
RCAF Flying Officer Alexander Barr from Stoney Creek, killed in the Netherlands in 1944; 24 years old.
Army Pte. Allan Mitchell from Toronto, killed in Korea in 1952; 20 years old.
Army Corp. Anthony Boneca from Thunder Bay, killed in Afghanistan in 2006; 21 years old.
I always think of Sgt. Robert Richards on Remembrance Day. He was killed in the Korean War on Sept. 27, 1952. I know almost nothing else about him, except that he was 29 years old and came from Josephine, Ont., which is now a ghost town.
But I think of him because I was born two days after he died. He never saw the world he left me — a world I was free to grow in.
Despite what it says on many war memorials, there is nothing glorious about war.
There is nothing glorious about being killed by an artillery shell while standing in a rat-infested trench.
Nothing glorious about being killed by an exploding bomb while sitting in a truck on a dusty road.
Nothing glorious about being killed by a sniper’s bullet while trying to clear a town of enemy soldiers.
Get more opinion in your inbox
Get the latest from your favourite Star columnists with our Opinion newsletter.
Sign Up NowNothing glorious about drowning in a ship struck by a torpedo.
The act of remembering does nothing for the dead. Their fate has been decided. We can bring them no relief from eternal rest. The truth is Remembrance Day is for those of us who are alive. By stopping on Nov. 11 to think about those who sacrificed their lives for Canada, we make ourselves worthy of what they did.
Remembering those who were killed is both noble and honourable. Don’t do it for the dead. Do it for yourself and for your country.
Thanks for reading Today I think of Sgt. Robert Richards, who died two days before I was born - Toronto Star. Please share...!
0 Comment for "Today I think of Sgt. Robert Richards, who died two days before I was born - Toronto Star"