Remembering

Today was a day for remembering with our collective consciousness. Remembering much of what we, personally, have never lived, and hope to never live. I learned that the first Sunday in June is our official memorial day. So Riley and I got up early this weekend morning and headed out to the veteran's cemetery to meet up with other scouts to plant flags at the foot stone for each our veterans in anticipation of the afternoon ceremony.

It wasn't long before I got a blister and the end of one finger is still numb from working the poles into hardened soil, but this is hardly worth complaining about, considering.

I thought it was a useful exercise even though November 11 is recognized in school here with soldiers and veterans going in and talking to the students. I feel honouring those who fought so we could live free as we do is something that should never be held lightly.

Understanding life in war time is something, gratefully, we have not experienced first hand. Despite the wars fought in our lifetimes they were/are still all "over there". Seeing the flags and realizing each one marks one life, one soul, is sobering. And this is just a drop in the bucket. Seeing more than just Canadian flags made it feel even more universal.

For the second time this week I found myself in a cemetery but this time with a purpose. It felt odd to have someone suggest that our picture be taken together, odd to find ourselves smiling even. With reflection though, this was an act that brought more than somberness to our hearts, it also brought gratitude and peace which is certainly worth smiling at.