Chapter 37 - Armistice/Remembrance/Veterans Day Tribute

I thought that this story was a fitting place to make a tribute to the military marking the 101st anniversary (100th Armistice/Remembrance Day) of the end of World War 1.

Armistice/Remembrance Day is reflective of the terminology used for those who live in Commonwealth Countries, where it is marked by 1-2 minutes silence at the 11th Hour preceded by the Last Post and followed by Reveille, and is meant as a reflection to remember those who died in World War 1, the so-called War to end all wars. 11am is chosen as it reflects the time when the guns fell silent and the peace started.

Some countries have the more official moments of reflection on the Sunday prior to Remembrance day (i.e. yesterday) called Remembrance Sunday, and often involve church services, but many of the features are similar throughout the country.

Veteran's Day, reflects the US terminology used to mark the same date, which is designed to reflect commemorating all service personal.

While my parents did not serve, I am the cousin, niece, great-niece, great-great-niece, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of those who have served not only in World War 1 on the Western Front, World War 2 in Africa and the Pacific, Vietnam, the Gulf War and in peacekeeping missions, I have not only had family injured as a result of their service but have lost extended family members in conflict. Taking today not only to pause and think about is important to me.

Just as important though is taking the time today to pause and remember all military service personal, who have made sacrifices, including being willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their country by placing their life on the line to do what they think is right. That, regardless of your view on war and conflict reserves each and everyone's respect.

Matthew is like those who Armistice/Remembrance/Veteran's day (or other terms you may use) makes us pause to reflect on. He is willing to sacrifice his life for his country and its population. (and I promise that this will come out through the story).

Matthew, made this choice, fully knowing that he could have taken the easy option and gone to work in the Family Company, but that was not him. He wanted to serve, and has. He has the heart of a person that wants to make a difference.

Take a moment to pause, and think about those who serve, and those from your own country who have made that sacrifice to make a stand for what they believe and what they see their country is about.

Now ending, I wanted to add the following, for those in Commonwealth Countries would be something well known, and often called the Ode of Remembrance, being Stanza 4 in the Poen For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them