Remembrance Day 2018
 

Remembrance Day 2018, With much deep regret it will be the first time in almost ten years I have not brought some type of vehicle out to support my local legion, Branch 240, Crescent Beach BC. Unlike the preceding years, working round the clock was not an option this year and a last minute opening to see a specialist I have been trying to get a consult with for almost a year sealed the deal.

Despite having no reasonable choice in the matter, I have to admit that I feel awful at the prospect of not only failing to bring out a vehicle to support the veterans, but not being able to attend the ceremonies in Canada at all. Sometimes I feel it is the only truly selfless thing I do each year, but with an unexpected weight loss of 20lbs in the last month (not that I can't afford to lose a few pounds!), I really need to concentrate on health at the moment. Last year we were very fortunate that the Stuarts new owner was more than happy to let us take the tank out to the ceremony for a second year in a row. Thanks to Rod for that.

With that, I wish all a safe day and hope for good weather and and a great turnout to support the troops, both past and present on Remembrance Day 2018.

Regards
John:remember

Unfortunately, here in the Owen Sound area, snow squalls would appear to seriously endanger any thought of a parade to the cenotaph.

Appropriate ceremonies probably will be held in the local Legion branches.

Wakefield Quebec parade.
 

I'll be driving with The Cold War Collection in Wakefield, QC this Sunday. Last weekend, the Collection's Pinz and driver were unexpectedly denied to my Branch's small parade. No one's fault, just how life (and death) work.

I'll post pictures.

No parade in Batlow just a small gathering at the cenotaph.
The known history of all the WW 1 casualties listed was researched and read out as part of the service.

It’s supposed to snow here tonight and tomorrow (Remembrance Day). Headed for the Calgary Military Museum first thing in the morning. Hopefully the roads are not a complete mess. The Jeep might look like an icicle by the time I get there. :remember

Rememberance Day
 

It was a cold & windy day in Québec this year John . Not unlike the weather those who preceeded us in battle had to face on a daily basis . For all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who survived only to face a life of pain and agony or guilt of having survived after coming back home it was easy for me to put on my thermal underwear . My feet are dry . I have eaten today. Then the three pairs of socks went on . I have not lost a comrade today, all is good . The t-shirt , the turtleneck and the shirt .I am not in fear for my life or for that of my loved ones . The winter CF Dress tunic & pants ( don’t make them anymore ) . I have a roof over my head . I voted in a Provincial election this fall. The parka was most welcome. My kids are in school . It was windy and a balmy minus 10 degrees. It was cold in the trenches . Afterwards, the nice hot chicken broth at the local Legion . Some vets have passed away since last year . Some are too old , week or too sick to come out anymore . But they were with us in our hearts and minds we all know that. It is the thought that counts . It is the spirit that helps us carry on. Carry on soldier and go do your duty to God , Queen and Country. Tomorrow will always be better if you are Canadian and mostly because of them. So if your health improves John and you feel better come next year .

I participated in two services today - one in person, and one by extension. My actual event was to park a 1954 Volvo "Sugga" radio car diagonally in an intersection in the village of Wakefield, Quebec to help the village hold its parade. Only one self-important fool had to spin his tires and get a knot in his face over the 'sorry the road is closed' inconvenience.

My other event was to wangle some passes to the ill and injured veterans section on the site of the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Two friends and two new friends were able to observe the national services from the front row. They shook the MND's hand and greeted the GG. To say grateful would understate their mood.

Garbage Trucks
 

All the streets around the South Burnaby cenotaph were blocked with Garbage Trucks to deter attacks at home.... sign of reality not often observed by the general public.

New reality
 

Hello Harry . I attended the 2017 Remembrance Day ceremony in downtown Vancouver and i saw the garbage trucks. It would be a shame that some deranged, ill intended individuals succeeded in their attempts to shake our National will to remain a peacefull nation .Terrorism has no boundaries .I also saw the squalor on nearby Hastings St. Many Vets end up on Hastings because of PTSD induced addictions. I am in shock still of what i saw there in my own country.

DV Farm is a USA based Charitable group which assists homeless veterans who also face addictions and mental health issues through peer based support. Does Canada have a similar organization for our guys?

Stand down sir, I'm sure what you've done is much appreciated. Take care of yourself and give'em hell when you're able.