I live in a small rural town where everybody knows everybody. They stop on the sidewalks to talk about the latest world news, and perhaps about local events.

On Rememberance day, they gather in the streets to watch the parade go by. This parade of wonderful men and women, some in wheelchairs ,proudly marching with dignity to the sounds of the local band. This sight brings tears to my eyes, as I realize that next year the number of them will have been reduced, as time takes its toll.

I wonder if the people on the sidewalk really realize what these men and women did for us, all these years ago. I wonder if the children on the sidewalk ever hear about their grandfathers and great grandfathers , do they teach them in school ,or perhaps their parents would tell them stories of the first and second war. Somehow I doubt that they do.

Life has become so fast and furious, that there is no time for stories of the" old days".Violence is in our streets and in our lives. Did our loved ones die for this?. What would they say if they could see what our world has become. I think they would feel their sacrifice was not enough. Have we learned anything ?? I think not!!.

I think of how our world would be ,if it were not for the bravery of our forefathers. They fought and died for us, broken bodies left on the battlefield, some came home, never to be the same again.Just think of them, leaving on ships and aircraft, their wives and sweethearts left on the dock or airstrip, waving madly, realizing beneath their smiles and tears, that they may never meet again.

Instead of remembering these brave and dedicated men and women, only on a cold November day, we should carry their images in our hearts always, to be brought out when we feel sorry for ourselves, our lives too full of stress, our bank accounts not big enough. Perhaps we have a cold or flu, or we are threatened by a new virus.

If it were not for their selflessness, their giving of their lives, we would have far greater worries on our shoulders.

WE OWE THEM!!!!!

So, if you have young ones at home, tell them the reasons that they can go about their lives with no restrictions or reprisals, why they don't need to live in fear of the unknown.They need to know that they owe their lives to so many,unknown soldiers.

"NEVER HAVE SO MANY OWED THEIR LIVES TO SO FEW!!"WINSTON CHURCHILL.

In only a few years, the population of veterans will be gone. Please don't let their memory die with them.

Written by Ena Clewes - website at http://www.edit4you.com

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