I have a family history of patriotism and military duty in my family.
It all started back in Europe where my Great Great Grandfather served in the then Russian/Polish Army. His name was General Joseph Bohusz-Szysko
His son, my Great Grandfather also served and went on to become the second in command at one of the most instrumental battles of World War 2...Monte Cassino. His name was General Zygmunt Bohusz-Szysko.
My mother's father, my Grandfather also served during World War 2, but spent most of it in a POW camp. His name was Captain Max Michalak
My uncle joined the Air Force and spent more than 20 years in service all over the world. His last few years were spent flying into hurricanes with a scientific crew. He had balls of steal if you ask me. His name was Master Sergeant Peter Michalak
My husband is currently on active duty here in the states and has nearly 24 years in the Army. He has been to combat many times, including The Gulf War and Bosnia. His name is Sergeant First Class William Gordon.
The word "Veteran" to me is synonymous with the words: hero, brave, duty, respect, selflessness, patriotism...among others.
I told you the names of the military men in my family, but there are millions of more names that through out time have served their military and Countries. They fought for years against hitler, went to Vietnam whether they wanted to or not, made a career out of the military or gave the ultimate sacrifice... their lives.
The word "Veteran" will always be capitalized by me no matter the circumstances.
While we can never know all the birth names of all the heroes through out time, we do know their given name...Veteran. Never forget what they have done for us all and never forget to respect Them and care for Them.
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I salute you. This is one Vet. who appreciates you and all who honor Veterians day but we are not heros. We just did our job like anyone else.
And thank you to all the Vets!
November 11th.
Remembrance Day 2007
There Is Much To Be Remembered
At almost every November 11th Remembrance Day service the hymn NEARER MY GOD TO THEE is sung/played. This comforting spirit-uplifting hymn seems so appropriate when one reflects upon those servicemen and women in two world wars, Korea, and UN Peacekeeping forces who have faced danger and death.
The composer Sarah Flower Adams born 1805 in Essex, England could not possibly have imagined the impact NEARER MY GOD TO THEE would have on so many people. It was a favourite of Queen Victoria, King Edward V111, and President William McKinley.
There is one other tragedy this hymn is always associated with – the sinking of the White Star luxury vessel Titanic which struck an iceberg in the north Atlantic April 14, 1912, with a loss of almost 1500 lives.
It is recorded a Baptist Minister Rev. John Harper was travelling with his daughter on the Titanic from England to the United States. Realizing there were insufficient lifeboats to accommodate all passengers, the Reverend Harper asked the ship's orchestra to play NEARER MY GOD TO THEE, thinking perhaps it might be of some comfort to those who would have to remain on board awaiting an inevitable fate.
After seeing his daughter safely on a lifeboat he gave up his own seat to a woman struggling in the icy waters. He then swam around trying to comfort others on the point of death, until he himself succumbed from exposure.
As we stand in silent tribute on Remembrance Day, may each of us in our own way remember those young Canadians who like those in the Titanic faced death, and in far too many instances, paid the supreme sacrifice with their lives for freedom and democracy.
As Edith Adams' hymn recited –
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
Refrain
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I'd be nearer, my God to Thee.
Refrain
There let the way appear, steps unto Heav'n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.
Refrain
Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.
Refrain
Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I'll fly,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
Refrain
There in my Father's home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior's love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.
Refrain
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!
Note:
Nearer, my God, to Thee" is a 19th century Christian hymn based loosely on Genesis 28:11-19, the story of Jacob's dream. Genesis 28:11-12 can be translated as follows: "So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it...."
Jacob's Dream
Lead me from death to life --- from falsehood to truth
Lead me from despair to hope --- from fear to trust
Lead me from hate to love --- from war to peace
Let peace fill our heart our world --- our universe.
Quote from
----Satish Kamar and the Prayer for Peace Movement.