Today, I remember.
1914-1918: 61,000 dead; 172,000 wounded
Today, I remember those who laid down their lives so I could live in peace, in freedom.
1939-1945: 42,042 killed; 54,414 wounded; 8,995 taken prisoner
Today, I remember the service of my great-grandfather, my grandfather, and my father.
Today, I remember my great-grandfather who served in the Second World War. He left home, a mere teenager and joined the airforce. This is the first year my family can no longer thank him in person. But today, I remember his sacrifice.
Today, I remember the decades my grandfather served in the military. He went wherever he was needed - Canada, Belgium, Germany. My mom says they moved at least every two years.
Today, I remember the years my father served in the military. He was a helicopter pilot and went overseas on peacekeeping missions when I was just a toddler.
I am so thankful for these three men, for their lives, and the stories they have to tell. Thank you for your service.
As of March 2014: 1,800 lives to remember
Today, we remember, lest we forget.
Canadian statistics taken from the following websites:
http://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/after-the-war/legacy/the-cost-of-canadas-war/
http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/newspapers/canadawar/casualties_e.shtml
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/news/general-statistics
All images taken from Google Images