True North Strong and Free
As daylight shrinks away, this time of year I generally get caught up thinking on Canada’s very Northern location on the globe. We often have dreadfully cold, dark winters, and summers that fly by like a shot. Sometimes we get caught up in the frustrating realities of this country, like endlessly scraping car windows, salt stains on boots, summer construction repairing the damage of last winter, and the resulting detours and traffic jams.
Let us all take some time to be immensely grateful that these things make up many Canadians’ concerns. There are times in everyone’s life when things are truly hard and painful, yet most of the time we live in peace. Let us be thankful that we get frustrated at the weather, at reduced lanes and reduced speeds because of construction – at many things that aren’t ultimately so big.
Let us be thankful because we are in a free country, where our lives and families aren’t threatened: a place where we can relish in petty concerns and can take those petty concerns for what they are, and change our attitude. We should see continual reminders that when we complain about the weather, it’s because we don’t have to fear for our lives in our country. We do not have to hide our beliefs, our heritage or our dreams. We are given healthcare and education opportunities. We can grow in business and economy and strengthen society. We have democracy in government. We are part of a free nation that can continue to grow and improve.
Let us be thankful and let us say we remember. We remember why we are free. We remember the sacrifices of Canadians forces that have defended our country and its rights and beliefs. We remember the sacrifices of their families. We remember the tragedies endured in maintaining country and values so that we have opportunities.
There are two lines in the final verse of the famous poem by John McCrae, “In Flanders Fields” which the fallen soldiers express this sentiment:
“To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high.”
This torch is our responsibility. As we recognize these soldiers fell protecting the values of Canada – The True North Strong and Free, now it is our turn to cherish and foster this nation. But we will not forget those who held the torch before us.
“In Flanders Fields” is an iconic and moving poem that touched our nation. In response to it was another poem written by Moina Michael, in which the last verse words a sentiment much better than I ever could:
And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.
Today marks a significant day in the calendar year. As we stand on Canadian soil, or are caught in a Canadian traffic jam, remember and relish that we are in peace and free. Let us wear our poppies and let this nation say we remember. Let us remember their sacrifice, and hope for a time when sacrifice is no longer needed.
Jessica Stickel
Marketing Communications Coordinator
Challenger Motor Freight