On Wednesday, October 22nd 2014, a coward with a rifle walked up and shot and killed Nathan Cirillo, one of our soldiers as he stood on guard at the War Memorial....a symbol of the sacrifices our Canadian military has made for our country. The Coward then raced into the halls of the Peace Tower where he was killed by Sergeant at Arms Kevin Vickers.
Think about that. A lot of fucking symbolism if you ask me.
As I walked home last night, I realized my route has now become a crime scene. My direct route was still under lock down and the market was virtually deserted. I recently wrote in an earlier entry that when I now walk to work I relate to Scrooge from Dicken's A Christmas Carol in that I "walk about the streets, ....and found that everything could yield him pleasure. He had never dreamed of any walk...could give him so much happiness." It didn't feel that way to me last night and perhaps, in the coming days or weeks, I may struggle to keep that light hearted feeling on my commute home.
A slice of our innocence was lost yesterday.
But we are Canadians and a bunch of tough Motherfuckers. We will not let the acts of yesterday frighten us.
But if there is one thing I can take away from the past year of my life is the ability and desire to find lessons to be learned in life. The irrational events of yesterday are no different.
I posted on Facebook this morning and wanted to share it here:
In the midst of a heinous attack in our
hometown, it is heart warming to see the outpouring of love, solidarity and pride
on social media towards one another, our country and our city….
How can we encourage to continue the sentiment we feel today and not have it become a flash in the pan?
How can we encourage to continue the sentiment we feel today and not have it become a flash in the pan?
1. Pay your respects not only on this Remembrance Day but every
year (and no that doesn’t include taking a “selfie” at the War Memorial)
2. It doesn’t need to be Remembrance Day to remember and respect our veterans and present day military. They have fought hard for Canada and to keep the rights and freedoms we sometimes take for granted
3. Vote and vote wisely. We have the right to vote for our leaders that so many countries do not. Research your municipal, provincial and federal candidates and make a wise and informed decision. Don’t waste democracy
4. Take a moment to refresh your knowledge on Canadian history and what we have accomplished to become the nation that we are. Teach your children because our educational system seems to have forgotten about it
5. Show your pride this Canada Day and every other day. We are the true north strong and free
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see
thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious
and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O
Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
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