Jul. 25, 2008 - Knotted Stomach, Pounding Boots
I am back from holidays, and hopefully will have time to write about that soon. But for now I will write about today. Today we played in a Change of Command Parade.
I almost didn’t make it. Last night I awoke around 3 due to dreaming about having awful stomach cramps. I awoke to discover it was not a dream. I spent about an hour up, trying to encourage these cramps to subside, finally going out to the trailer to get some Tums. I estimate that I lost about 2 hours’ sleep in total. When the alarm woke me up this morning the cramps had not completely disappeared. I lay in bed wondering if I’d be able to make it to the parade. I did not feel sick. I had no fever. I was sure that it was all due to lack of sleep over the past holiday week, a number of things building on my stress plate this summer, and some ill-timed greasy appetizers my trumpet player and I indulged in after band last night. A good sleep and I’d be fine. But at the moment I could not sleep if I were to be ready in time for the parade.
Just when I’d think I was fine and could go, my stomach would tie itself into another knot. I could not figure out if I’d be ok in time or not. By 8:50 I felt good enough to get dressed and see if I could be ready in time to leave at 9. I did and I was, so at 9 am we headed out for the parade. During the parade I felt fine most of the time, but the knot did return a time or two. The sun was warm, but when it went behind the clouds the otherwise-welcome breeze worked against me, the cold air making me feel worse, as it is prone to do even at the best of times. I was thankful every time the sun’s healing warmth reappeared. I was also thankful for my trumpet player standing next to me, who occasionally, when decorum allowed (in other words, when we were not at attention), looked my way and asked in a whisper how I was doing. A few times I wished I had stayed in bed. A couple of times I considered bending down on one knee as those on parade are supposed to do when they feel they might faint. I wasn’t going to faint, though, and I didn’t want to draw attention to myself, fearing that one of the ambulance attendees might see and come to my unnecessary rescue. So I stood, and for the most part was fine, though I was glad when it was over.
But what struck me this morning happened before the parade began. We were formed up off the parade square, ready to march in after the others on parade. The command for the flights was given and I heard the distinct “thrump, thrump, thrump” of the collection of army boots all hitting the pavement at the same time. It occurred to me that if they were not all in step the sound would not have been as loud. I remember as a newlywed hearing this same pounding of the pavement, at that time echoing over the water from the parade square to our apartment. How the sound carried! It is no wonder that in days past this pounding was used as an intimidation tactic.
I saw images in my mind from movies I’ve seen about war in other times. Particularly, I recalled a movie about the Napoleonic wars. The French army was a master at intimidation. One would hear the boots resound as one as the many men marched as one. The drum line pounded with feet and sticks, intensifying the sound of the oncoming soldiers. One could hear the approach as the crescendo continued. The tactic was effective, but it would only succeed if every soldier marched in time, the many working as one.
Today we don’t use pounding boots to intimidate our enemy, but the unity of the march is not outdated. Our military continues to practice the discipline of marching in unison for many reasons, but what struck me today was that these men (and now women) who were marching together as one, also work together as one. It was as if their cadence was representative of their unity of purpose, without which they could not succeed. It is common in today’s world to hear the military criticized for its uniformitarianism, its insistence that each individual conform to the whole, but it is only this willingness to work as one that allows them success. It may seem extreme to those of us outside the military, but due to the nature of what they do, it is necessary. And for those who do not require such regimented uniformity, there is a lesson to be learned about the effectiveness of working together for a common goal…even when you’d rather be in bed!
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Jul. 30, 2007 - Awards With A Purpose
Have you ever watched an award show? I’m talking about those extravagant evenings where actors are honoured for giving a good performance. I have, if only to see what the ladies would be wearing. It’s fun to see if your favourite movie wins an award, but whenever I see these shows I always wonder what really is the point. So much pomp and celebration for the ones who entertained with the most talent. These same ones who win the awards probably also made the most money. But it’s not about the money. It’s about…what is it about, anyway?
Contrast these overindulgent evenings with the simple ceremony I attended this morning. It, too, was an award ceremony. But it had a point. There were about 9 awards given out by the Wing Commander to people who had given above and beyond their normal duties on our base. They were small awards – a plaque was awarded to each recipient – but they were sincere. One Master Corporal received the Wing Commander’s Commendation for his dedication when, after a 12 hour shift, he noticed a fire burning on the back section of the base. They didn’t realize how close it was to the housing, or how much devastation could have been wreaked if it had not been dealt with quickly, but this young man stayed on duty and helped carry equipment and work with the firefighters until the fire was put out. This is just one example of the commendations given out this morning. These are people who did more than their job – and did it without extra pay, since military members are not given over-time pay. They simply saw a need and took care of it, making the operations on the base run more smoothly, more safely, or simply better. These are people who understand the importance of the base operations, do their jobs diligently, and sometimes go the extra mile to make things better.
Better for whom? Better for those who enjoy living in the free society these men & women so willingly defend. But I have spoken about that before, so I won’t discuss it now.
I was privileged to attend this ceremony as a member of the band, since the band was receiving the honour of being named “Team of the Quarter.” Each quarter several people are chosen by the Wing Commander to receive various quarter awards, and this time it was the band who was recognized as a team that gives of their own time and efforts to benefit our base and the military in general. After the reason for our selection was read, the Wing Commander had a few more words to say in appreciation of the band. He recognized that we represent the military when we perform in uniform, and present a positive face to the community. He acknowledged our support of wing functions, such as welcoming visiting diplomats with their specific national anthems, performing at parades, entertaining at mess dinners, and raising money for the Great Escape Memorial Project. He noted that all of the work we put into these functions is done voluntarily and in our own spare time. Very few of the functions are during working hours – most are during off hours, as are all our rehersals, not to mention the time we put into practicing at home. Well, to be honest, we do it because we love it. We love our instruments and the band. We love performing with the band and have a lot of fun doing it. And we all believe in the importance of supporting our military. But it is awfully nice to have our efforts acknowledged.
Those honoured this morning did something extra. They believe in what they do and put something of themselves into it to help the defense of our country and others. The ceremony was quiet and short, but it was sincere and it honoured real accomplishments with real purpose. What a contrast to the wastefully decadent evenings those in the entertainment world put on for themselves.
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Jul. 5, 2007 - The Price of Freedom
In addition to experiencing being on parade for the first time, I learned a couple of things this morning. First, we have 40 people from our base currently serving in
Have you ever noticed that those who condemn military action are virtually always those who have little or no connection with the military?
In coincidental or providential timing, I received this week a link to a letter to the editor that a friend wrote on this very subject. She articulated this thought well, so I am going to copy the entire article here in case the link to the newspaper is lost. If you wish to view Theresa’s blog, you can find her homeschool blogger blog at A Joyful Noise Unto the Lord.
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Free society always has price to pay |
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Last week the Sentinel ran a full-page article describing the effects of the
As I read the article I thought of other parents, other brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, husbands and wives. People all across
The war in
These questions of course cannot be answered simply. The question today of the cost of the
A free society always has a price to pay. The military will always have a loved one left behind at home while they are away fighting to grant the rights and privileges that our country long ago fought to keep. If we truly want the full picture of the cost of war, we must ask questions not only of those families who are grieving the loss of the heroes fighting this war, but those of the citizens of Iraq who exercised the right to vote for the first time. Or maybe ask one of the families whose husband, or mom, or dad fell in the
My heart goes out to the grieving mothers in the news article last week, but I also disagree with using their grief as a platform to protest the
Let us remember with honor the fallen, and be thankful that we live in a society that allows us peaceful protest, that allows us to voice our opinion, and that doesn’t force our sons to fight in a military system led by a terrorist dictator. God bless
— Theresa
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Thanks, Theresa, for wording this so well. And may I add, God bless
Heather
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Jul. 4, 2007 - Left, Right, Left!
They say that in order to truly understand a man, you must walk a mile in his moccasins…or in this case, army boots.
This morning was an education for this civilian. Tomorrow is the Change of Command Parade for our Wing Commander, and today was the practice. We started at 8:00 and finished at approximately 10:30. The temperature was not unduly high, but it was warm at 22 degrees, particularly when standing on the tarmac for an extended period of time. We welcomed the cooling of the breeze as it blew quite steadily throughout the morning. Tomorrow it is to be 29 degrees, and thankfully we are wearing short sleeves with no tunic.
The education came for me in learning to march. It looks really easy, doesn’t it? Well, it is quite easy, but one does have to know the rules. My husband was late for the practice, but when he arrived he stood in the centre file, beside me, and he let me know as we went if I needed to shape up my step or my arm swing. I must admit that I found that a little annoying, but in the long term I was grateful for his help so that tomorrow I will be able to do things properly, and not stick out and make the band look bad. There will be a few civilians on parade tomorrow, but the others have done this before, so I’m the only rookie. We wear a uniform without rank (the same as a brand new private wears) so we can’t hide behind the excuse of “I’m a civilian” because no one can tell that we are.
Not that I’d want to, mind you. There is a responsibility when one wears the uniform of an organization. When I don my uniform, even though it is only as a band member, it is the uniform of the Canadian Air Force, and so when I wear it I am representing the Canadian Air Force, and by extension, Queen and Country. This being the case, it is important that I follow the rules, which has been a little frustrating so far since I didn’t attend any boot camp in which to learn the rules, but am left learning them as I go along. This morning was an experience in which I learned several things, namely:
1. The basics – how to halt, right face, fall out, quick march (the first step is crucial!), mark time, left/right wheel. (Yes, as the shortest one in the group I was on the OUTSIDE of the wheel most of the time. Nice. For those unfamiliar with military terms, the wheel is when the outside take really big steps and the inside take really little steps so that everyone ends up turning a corner. See Heather March. See Heather STRIDE! The inside is much easier for us short people.)
2. I learned that one has to pay attention to feet and arms while marching, in addition to making sure you are in line both with the guy in front of you and the guy beside you. This sounds easy enough, but when you have to stare straight ahead it is easy to get out of line with those beside you. Trust me on this one. My dear trumpet player, who happened to be marching next to me this morning, let me know when I was out of line with him. J
3. Add to all of that playing an instrument! Now I am to focus on the music - music that is jiggling as I walk, mind you! - but still have to see that I’m in line with those in front and beside me. Yikes!
4. And all this while marching in time! Normally, keeping time is not a problem for me. But with the different strides of those in the group, I found the time-keeping to be less than natural.
If there is any military member reading this, please don’t laugh too hard at my ineptitude. Think back to your very first parade practice and have pity on a poor civilian being thrown onto the parade square with no instructions or training. Fortunately, everyone around me knows what they’re doing, so as long as I keep alert and follow the others I should be fine.
The main point of this crazy little post is not actually about the nitty-gritty details of marching on parade. What I have come to realize is the three-fold benefit of being in the Wing Band. Of course, I love the band and playing in it has given my husband and me a fun thing to do every week, with lots of performances and events to play at. It has given me contact with people outside my church – something that can be quite difficult for a homeschool mother to find, especially one like me who does not like a lot of extra-curricular activities in her life. And the third benefit is that through doing something I love I can support an organization I believe in. For 19 years I have been a military wife – and for 4 before that I was a military girlfriend/fiancé. This is not new to me. I have always supported my husband in his work, and the armed forces in general. I believe in the necessity of the military and I am grateful for those willing to do their part in it.
But playing in the band has made that support a little more practical. It has been a privilege to be places that normally a civilian would not be able to be. Places such as the welcoming of visiting ambassadors and seeing the presentation of medals to those who served in the first Gulf War. So tomorrow I will wear the uniform and do my best to follow the rules. And being in the band, I’ll have fun doing so. ;-)
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Jun. 21, 2007 - The Reason We Serve
Awhile ago my husband and I watched the series “The Band of Brothers.” It was an exceptional portrayal of what some dedicated men went through for the liberation of
Today we hear many people criticize the west’s involvement in the
Sixteen years ago one such leader invaded his helpless neighbouring country, wreaking havoc at every turn. Controversy surrounded
Today I had another opportunity to see the reason we became involved in the
I wish all the critics could have been there. The men and women who had served and received medals this morning were honoured. They had served, not asking for reward. They simply knew that our world will always have conflict, and we need to be protected from tyrants and to help weaker countries to remain free from tyrannical rule. And they did their part. Are we “pro-war?” No. I wish there were no need for war. I wish we could solve all the world’s problems over a hand shake and a cup of coffee. But since the fall of man back in the garden of Eden, there have been and will always be, those who choose evil and who refuse to work together for peace. Against them we will fight so that those critics will not be silenced by the hand of a tyrant.
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Apr. 27, 2007 - Do This In Remembrance...
I played at a mess dinner this week, but I’m not going to write about the music this time. Something else impressed me at this dinner.
At this dinner a tradition was followed that I had not seen before. At the end of the room a small round table was set with a single place setting. This is the table of remembrance. The table is set for one to remind those at the dinner of their comrades who have fallen. A white tablecloth represents the purity of the soldiers as they left to serve their country. Placed on the table is a red rose to remind us of the love of the families these soldiers left behind . The glass is upside down and the chair is empty to symbolize that these fallen soldiers can not toast with us this season. There is a slice of lemon on the plate as a reminder of the bitter sacrifice they have made; salt is poured onto the plate to signify the tears their loved ones have shed. It was a fitting memorial to those who have given all, by those who work along side toward the same end. It was a reminder to all present that “it could have been me.” It was a reminder of the depth of the importance of what each member of our military does – both at home and overseas
But this table also reminded me of another table of remembrance. A table set each month in churches around the world to remember another sacrifice. This, too, was a bitter sacrifice over which the tears of loved ones were shed. But it was not bitter because for this sacrifice death was not the end, but only the beginning. The One whose sacrifice we remember each month rose again. While the soldier’s sacrifice brought peace and safety to others, Jesus’ sacrifice brings peace, hope and eternal safety in His arms to all who will accept it.
Those who read my blog will know that I in no way want to diminish the sacrifice of the soldier, or the importance of the job our armed forces carries out. However, it is only for temporal safety that they serve. Their service and sacrifice is optimized when it is coupled with the message of the One who sacrificed His all for our eternity. We must never forget Christ’s immeasurable sacrifice that promises peace and eternal life.
Lest we forget...do this in remembrance of Me.
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Nov. 11, 2006 - Reflections on Remembrance Day
What I heard in the howling wind last night was confirmed this morning when I saw the layer of fresh snow on the ground. We were heading out to the truck at 9:15 because my daughter had to be at the parade by 9:30 to stand on parade with the Air Cadets. So with no time to change into boots, we shoveled a path to the truck - the little girls and I quite a sight in our Sunday shoes and dresses! But as cold as my toes became, I knew that frost-bitten toes were nothing compared to what the men experienced living in foxholes in the frozen ground in northern Europe during the winter of 1944 with only tree branches and snow to insulate them from the biting wind.
We drove to the arena where the parade was to be held. My daughter found the other cadets, my husband found a parking space, and the other three kids and I found us some seats in the bleachers. We were there a full hour before the parade would begin, yet the seats were already nearly filled. We found a spot and began to wait. The kids had books to read while we waited. I went back and forth between reading a Dr. Suess book to my 4 year-old and watching the men & women on parade form up. At 10:25 my 6 year-old asked if it was almost over. I assured her that it was almost ready to begin! "It hasn't started yet?" she asked.
I admit that as I sat and waited my mind drifted to things on my to-do list at home. I did not begrudge the morning I had chosen to give to the remembrance of soldiers, but a mother's mind is prone to plan, organize, and generally think about the myriads of tasks ahead of her that day whenever it is not otherwise occupied. But as I went over the things waiting for me at home, I wondered if the men serving in the war ever found themselves doing the same thing. I wondered if they ever became impatient, wishing the war would just end so they could return home to their families and to things they left unfinished when the call to duty came. I gave up one morning of my life to remember these men who gave up 3 and 4 years - and some of them their whole lives - to protect freedom and bring peace to a turbulent world.
The ceremony was beautiful, and proudly well attended. Behind the flights of men serving on this base were several flights of men in combat uniforms. These were men who are to be deployed to Afghanistan next month. What an apt reminder to us that we still send soldiers into war-torn lands - that there are those who are still willing to go. I was surrounded in the bleachers by other soldiers in fatigues, and wondered if they, too, were being deployed before Christmas.
I always tear up when I hear the local choir sing the words to the well-known poem, "In Flanders Fields." They sing it every year, and the poem is even more powerful set to haunting music and sung in a large arena. This year I noticed a veteran in the front row wipe his eye. I do not know if he had shed a tear or not, but a lump formed in my throat as I realized that some of those men may be remembering a personal friend lost on the field of battle. I would later be reminded that many at that gathering were doing just that.
Several prayers were said, and Scripture was read. Even though those reading and praying may or may not understand that we can know the God they spoke of personally, it was heartening to know that in this country we can still pray and read Scripture at a public event. Even though Canadians have moved so far from our Christian heritage, there is still a fragment that gives honour to the One True God, trusting Him for the safety of those who go to fight for our country. Indeed, it is because they have gone to fight that we can freely stand and read from the Word of the Living God in a public assembly.
After a moment of silence the wreaths were laid. Each one with solemnity and gratitude. It is good to see the children participate in this, with not only the air and sea cadets laying wreaths, but the scouts and girl guides as well.
Following the laying of the wreaths the Base Commander spoke. He said what has been on my heart all week: Remembering is a great responsibility for all Canadians. He went further to say that this is especially true for those in uniform, who, as our anthem says, "stand on guard for thee."
We stand on guard for thee.
Yes, we do. Our husbands do. Our sons and daughters do. Please don't forget to remember.
At the very end of the ceremony we were blessed with a special memorial video. With background music playing a variation of "Oh Canada," the video showed scenes of our troops at ceremonies much like the one we were at this morning. It showed troops at the funerals of their comrades. Then it showed each of the Canadians who have died in Afghanistan over the past period of deployment. One by one their faces smiled at us. And we remembered.
At different times the uniformed personnel around me saluted, and I knew. These men I was seeing were the friends of those around me. Those I stood among were remembering the friendship of men who had gone to serve and would not come home.
My eyes were not dry, and I suspect not many eyes in that arena were. As those around me saluted I, in civilian clothes, saluted in my heart and silently thanked those who have given all so I and my children can be free. Those who have died, and those who have lost husbands and fathers and sons. How much they have given so my husband and father and son can be free.
Yet the faces that smiled at me from the video seemed to say, "It was worth it." And I began to understand the privilege of dying for what you believe in. These men were willing to die for the protection of those they love. I will not likely ever be in a position to do that, but am I willing? Am I willing to send my husband or son to die for freedom?
Yet there is a greater cause than this. Am I willing to die for my Lord? Am I willing to die so that others might see the saving grace of the Living God? Thanks to those who have died in service to Canada, I may not have to put that to the test on this soil. For that I am grateful.
I was proud to see my daughter standing in the front rank of the cadet flight this morning. Not because she looked smart standing at attention in her finely pressed uniform and spit-shined boots. I was proud that she willingly gave her morning to remember the fallen soldiers. She understands that freedom and peace come at a cost - a very high cost to some - and that those who have paid that price deserve our respect and honour. Yes, I was proud.
Blessings to you on this Remembrance Day. If you could not make it to a ceremony this morning, please take a moment to gratefully remember those who protected your freedom in the past and to honour those who continue to protect us today. And the next time you see a member of our Canadian Armed Forces tell them you appreciate the part they play in the protection of your country.
Heather
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Nov. 10, 2006 - Remembrance Day
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. Sadly, it falls on Saturday this year, and I fear that this will mean that it will go largely unnoticed. I hope this fear will be proved unfounded. Attending a Remembrance Day Ceremony should be the highest priority for every Canadian Citizen tomorrow morning. Here are a few reasons why I believe this, and why we will be at our local ceremony with our children.
It has been 87 years since the Allies signed the Armistice agreement that ended WWI. Few remain who remember the Great War, and even fewer who fought in it. Although our current Remembrance Day memorials were designed to commemorate the end of WWI, occurring at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when today's citizens gather to remember, most think of WWII.
But it has been 61 years since the end of WWII, and fewer and fewer of today's citizens remember this conflict. Fortunately Hollywood took up the gauntlet for awhile and produced movies that would enable us to see just a glimpse of what WWII was like for those who fought - and for those who stayed at home. Movies seem to be the way to reach today's highly visual generation, so it is good that we have these memorials-on-film. And I will admit that war movies do move me greatly. We recently viewed the series "Band of Brothers" and I was touched by the first-hand accounts actual war veterans gave at the end of each episode. It would be a callous heart that could really grasp what those men went through FOR US and not be deeply moved.
Those who really do appreciate the sacrifice of those men in their effort to save us from the tyrannical rule of a mad man will be present tomorrow morning at a ceremony in their community. Those who are not present must not truly understand.
The first reason we should attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony is to honour those who gave so much so that we can be free.
With so few left to remind us of the sacrifices they made for our freedom, it is even more important now that we take our children to these events so that they can see for themselves how important it is to acknowledge that our freedom came with a price.
The second reason to attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony is to pass on to our children the value of their freedom and the knowledge that it came with a price - a very high price. And that it is worth fighting for.
Today we have many men and women deployed to foreign lands to protect the freedom we take for granted every day. Much is made in the media about the horrors of war, but very little is said of the horrors that occur when no one steps in to protect those who are caught in a world of unrest and tyranny. With no one willing to wage war on their behalf, these people would live in fear and horror without hope.
Those living in
Yes, some die in war. It is a sad eventuality in armed conflict. But how many more would die without war? Peace comes at a cost, and so does freedom. If you understand this, and believe that peace and freedom are worth fighting for, then be at a Remembrance Day Ceremony tomorrow morning to show your support to those serving
Our attendance at a ceremony tomorrow will speak volumes to the families of these courageous men and women, who wait patiently for their son or husband or father or wife to come home, hoping and praying that they WILL come home. Imagine how encouraging it is to them to see the support of their country by record numbers attending these ceremonies, which now honour their loved ones as well as the soldiers of the past. Imagine how alone and frustrated they would be if no one came. Their loved one may not come home. Some have already died in active service. They have gone to fight for you. The least you can do is to spend an hour honouring their commitment to the freedom of your country.
And that is reason number three: Show your support and gratitude to those presently serving, and the families who wait for them at home. It is the least we can do.
Winston Churchill said it best. He spoke specifically of the men who flew in the Battle of Britain, but I believe it is true of all those who fight for freedom. "Never have so many owed so much to so few."
I hope you'll join me at tomorrow's parade. It would be a travesty to stay at home.
