It's that time of year again for me. Remembrance Day is coming and as usual, I'm in charge of writing and organizing the assembly. I love doing this. I feel privileged to be able to acknowledge and show respect to our soldiers, past and present.
Usually our assembly focuses on the past. The theme I chose for this year is: Remembrance Day: Past, Present and Future. One of our custodians is a transplanted American who happens to be a Vietnam vet. Until two years ago, he refused to be part of any assemblies, etc. Two years ago he came and sat in the back of the gym for our service. He was so moved that the next year he allowed us to acknowledge him and took part. This year he took it upon himself to help organize it. He is a member of the armoury in downtown Vancouver. He arranged for us to have some very young soldiers, just back from Afghanistan, to take part in the assembly. I was able to meet with two of them and they helped me design the program. They also provided me with pictures to use in our movie (which I had to make). Every time I watch the movie, I am moved to tears. These are young boys, barely older than our grade 8 boys. When I was in conversation with the soldiers, then talked about what they've accomplished. The mentioned that we never see on the news how they escort children to school so they can safely get there; or what it feels like to see a village have electricity for a week in a row; or how it feels to know that they are making a difference and that the people really do appreciate what they're doing. I was changed after my conversation. Now, when I see the news, I think of my boys (yes, I think of them as my boys) and how much they do and their compassion and commitment. God bless them.
I've included my movie for you to watch. Let me know what you think.
Wow...Carlan, that is beautiful. I'm always thinking of our young men (kurt's, nathan's and Nic's age) who fight for the freedom of those children and families who do not even understand the meaning of "freedom". Well done, lil sis. We have students with fathers who are away in foreign lands, missing their own loved ones but adopting the civilians as they go.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very touching memorial. And I recognize the choral arrangement - was a wonderful tool to enhance your message. Dan & I had some lengthy conversations in Los Alamos with a young man who just returned from the middle east. He was in a very fragile state of mind as a result of what he endured. Yes, we appreciate them serving our countries, but you really wonder - at what cost? From Sister C
ReplyDeleteNice video. Call me a cynic, but I don't think the lives of 120+ Canadians is worth the "change" that hasn't taken place there. In fact, I think it has exacerbated the situation and given Al-Qaeda a greater foothold in the region. Get out now, and do it switflty. History is the best teacher. Don't make any more stupid mistakes for political reasons.
ReplyDelete