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Remembering Giants

Each year, we refer to this week in Canada as Remembrance Week.

It is that time of year when we stop to remember the Service Men and Women who have served Canada in armed conflict near and far, in war and in peace.

What began as an opportunity to mark the end of WW I, and to acknowledge the sacrifice of so many people, continues today—because war continues, as does service to our country, at home and far afield.

It is my privilege to serve as a Chaplain to the Royal Canadian Legion. I have been honoured to hear of many incidents in the lives of men and women—giants—who have served in active military service. 

One of those “giants” was my father-in-law.  I recall when he shared, “I was there,” while viewing a Remembrance Documentary about the Liberation of Holland. It was the first time his daughter Flo ever heard him say that.

We often recount that moment.

A family cousin of mine, Dave, served in the infantry during WW 1.

He never shared much about that part of his life. Today, when I remember his life, I recognize how those years affected him as a young man—the impact of those years, and how it remained with him for the rest of his life. 

We will observe two minutes of silence on Remembrance Day, November 11th. We will reflect on the many who served and gave of their lives—we might think of those who remained at home, to keep the farm or the family business running; or the many women who worked the factories to produce everything from cardboard boxes to ships and airplanes. My mother told of “the rationing” so that the troops on the front line could have food. 

We each have “giants” to remember—many from stories shared through generations—others remembered “first-hand.”

This week Canada will remember another giant: Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. For the many Canadians privileged to attend (some of) the hearings, we recognized the stature of a great man. 

The following three quotes are attributed to Justice Murray Sinclair:

  1.  "We may not achieve reconciliation within my lifetime, or within the lifetime of my children, but we will be able to achieve it if we all commit to working towards it properly." 1

  2. "Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it."  2

  3. “You have to love people, even if they don’t love you.”  3

    This third quote is from an interview with the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew when he shared ‘one of the greatest pieces of advice from Justice Sinclair.’

Blessings to all this week as remember the giants in our lives.
Archdeacon Brian Evans