Shouldn't we wonder whether those daily deaths are even necessary? Shouldn't we wonder why they had to go there in the first place? Shouldn't we remember that there were supposed to be weapons there, but that no weapons have been found? Shouldn't we remember how we were told Iraq would be a model of democracy by now? Hussein is gone, but is anarchy any better? Today I remember that there may have been another way.
I'm also remembering today that Canadian troops ARE still participating in another U.S.-led effort, in Afghanistan. The fighting continues there as well, even though we don't know where bin Laden is, and terrorism continues around the world. And some Canadian troops have died there alongside Americans and Afghans. Some died because of "friendly fire." Some died driving over mines. Today I remember them, and their families.
And finally, today I remember my own family. I remember how my grandmother and grandfather were part of the Dutch resistance against the Nazis, and hid people. I remember the story of how my grandmother told the soldiers she had no cheese, to their faces, with a house full of hidden cheeses behind her. I remember the Canadians that liberated Holland, and that it was part of the reason my grandparents moved to Canada after the war. I remember my Finnish grandfather, who lied about his age and fought in the Winter War against Russia--I remember that he watched his friends die, and watched a chunk of his country taken away by an imperial power. I remember the lake I've seen in pictures, the lake where he swam as a child, and his family home--my family home--now owned by Russians.
And I remember Canada, today, and the work we still have to do here. It seems peace is still a long time coming. I'm going to remember that today.
And I'm going to work for peace.
Note: does not include the nu...
major combat has not re...
new casualities every day
dropped three 500 pound...
half of America
fighting continues
Stumble It!
whelan costen