Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Hearts and Humor – A Michael Smith Column

November 13, 2007

    Hi, Gang.
   
    I'm sorry for not posting more these past
few weeks. With Ginny out of town, I can't seem to find
much free time. There are several ideas bouncing around
in my head, but I can't seem to get them down on paper.

    On a happy note, I'd like to announce the birth of
Elizabeth Brianne. She's a healthy and beautiful young
girl - Ginny's first granddaughter and my first step-
granddaughter. I've attached a picture.

    While we celebrate the birth of a new life, today
is a day of remembrance. It's time to remember
those who fought for our freedom and for those now doing
the same.

   Last year, I asked for people to send me poppies.
Many of you, out of the kindness of you hearts, sent me
one or more poppies. All week long, I wore a poppy
on my lapel. Sadly, many people didn't know why I
wore it. I took the moment to remind them.

   Today I will not post my normal links. After the
story I will provide several links to videos that
touched me. They are in memory of those who died.


    The poppy is special. Here is why.


    A Canadian poet and medical officer, John McCrae, penned a
poem during the first world war. In Canada, everyone wears a
poppy in memory of those who died for our freedom.

         In Flanders Fields by John McCrea


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


    Now for my story:


                        The Meaning Of 11

    Here in the USA it is known as Veteran's Day. In Canada, it is
known as Remembrance Day and is a national Holiday.

    The number 11 took on a new meaning after 9/11. Before then, it
signified freedom.

    I had no idea what it meant. To me it was just another holiday.
It was just a day when stores were closed and more importantly, there
was no school. I knew about the war,  but I was free to play. I knew
people died for our freedom, but I could sleep in. I knew my parents
had little when they were growing up because of the war, but I had
food on my plate and a day to watch TV. The real meaning of the day
was distant to me.

    Years later my daughter joined the Brownies. The first year she
was a member, I set the alarm to wake us on the morning of 11/11.
She had to participate in a parade. Every Brownie, Girl Guide, Cub
Scout, and Scout had to participate in this parade in remembrance
of those who died for our freedom.

    My wife and I left our daughter with the Guide leader and
proceeded to the Canadian Legion where we waited for her. The kids
paraded a mile along the coastal roads of Nova Scotia, carrying
their flags high and proud. As we waited for her, the veterans
arrived - old men, long past their prime. They'd fought in the
trenches and watched their comrades die. Many came in
wheelchairs. Some limped. A few still stood strong.

    They joined the kids and walked as proudly as they could
to the legion where a band waited. The band played, speeches
were made, and on the 11th month, the 11th day, the 11th hour,
the 11th minute, and the 11th second there began two minutes of
silence.

    I looked at the veterans. Their sacrifices allowed us to stand
there that day. They gave us our freedom. The cold seeped through
my jacket. I reached out and held my wife. A tear trickled down
my cheek.

   For years, I slept as these brave men still marched in the
cold November air in remembrance of their comrades who died in battle
beside them. It took my daughter to make me realize the importance
of the day.

    I've never missed another Remembrance Day.

    Years later, because of work, I was separated from my family. I
was in another city, but on Remembrance Day, I heard there was going
to be a service in the city square. I was in Saint John, New Brunswick.
I put on my jacket and a tie, walked the mile to the service, stood
in the damp cold with a poppy proudly displayed on my lapel.

    I watched those brave men once again march for our freedom.
I don't know if it was because I was away from my family or the
sight of those old men still walking proudly, but the memory of
that service never fades from my memory.

    They marched, wheeled, and limped to the city square. The mayor
gave a speech. The two minutes of silence came. A bagpipe began to
play "Amazing Grace." After the first chorus, a second one joined in,
along with a small band. On the third chorus, more bagpipes joined
and a brass band began to play. The building of sound, the magic of
the moment is something I will never forget.

   Tears filled my eyes that day, as the blood must have filled
the trenches in battle. The moment is burned in my mind forever.

    On November 11th, please take a moment to remember those
who fought for our freedom and those that continue to fight for it.

    May God bless them all.


Michael T. Smith



    Here's a link to my youtube site. This is a video
and song written by a man from my home province of
Nova Scotia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUUtoStxzr4
Will you join me at 11:11 AM in a moment of silence?

Here's a couple more video's I found in my search.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgStF-hnZds

This one is very powerful. It has scenes from the
movie, "Saving Private Ryan." I don't recommend this
to the faint of heart. Although it is gruesome, it
is also the reality of war.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcPS4A4Mocw

Here's a few more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_rPZB3l8uI

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y5YAiXVn6Io