understanding and trying to figure it out

cloud view from the Burton Bridge

If you cross the Saint John river over the Burton Bridge, you will find yourself very close to CFB Base Gagetown, home to many Canadian military men and women, over a thousand of whom are stationed in Afghanistan, and many more who are preparing to take their turn in the coming year. In the area surrounding the base.....in small close-knit communities like Burton, Lincoln, Geary, Sheffied, Maugerville, and in larger centres like Oromocto and Fredericton military families live and work and pray for the safety of their loved ones.

Like all close knit communities, the immediate families are surrounded by extended families which include relatives but also a much wider net of caring and concerned people who are their friends and neighbours. Because of the longstanding history of the base, many people who live in the area settled in after their tours of duty. The ties to the Canadian Armed Forces are strong. Feelings and commitment run deep, and spread out to touch the hearts of others in the area who may not have a loved one fighting over in Afghanistan, but feel a sense of fellowship because our lives are intertwined.

Classmates, workmates, encounters at the local Tim Hortons.

Friends, neighbours, connections with the people selling goods and produce at the Saturday market.

University of New Brunswick is the Centre for Conflict Studies. The History department has a strong focus on military history.

We are a community with a strong military commitment and a deep sense of pride because of it.

Red is the colour worn on Fridays.

Yellow "support the troops" ribbons adorn the backs of most cars, and are wrapped around many trees. Unlike Toronto where there is an ongoing debate over whether or not to show support the troops......it's a way of life here. It is respected.

I didn't grow up in the area, nor did I grow up near an armed forces base. I also grew up at a time when patriotism shown through a strong military need wasn't even on the radar in my hometown. It was very foreign to me, and admitedly still is to some extent. I have no family ties to CFB Gagetown, past or present. Living in and amongst military families and friends who are impacted directly by the Base, I have had the privilege of learning from them.

There is a definate heightened feeling of anxiety and alertness to what is going on in Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world because it is a way of life. It impacts directly. It is not something we can keep from the kids, as you could in areas not connected to an army or air force or naval base. They hear the news...........whether it's a tragic story or an upcoming rally to support the troops and they want to know. They have friends whose Mom or Dads are in the military. Its a way of life and it must be discussed......communication has to remain open in order to help them understand.

Yesterday, we (including the children) learned of 6 more soldiers killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. I could see it in my children's eyes as the reality was broadcasted on the car radio.......

"Are the soldiers from here?"

"I don't know yet. The families are informed first before the names are released to the public."

"Why do they do that? How do they tell them?"

"It shows respect to the families so they can have some private time. The military try to contact them by going to their homes to tell them in person."

"So, all the families across Canada are waiting wondering if it is their Mom or Dad? I can't imagine how they must be feeling right now....."

"It would be very very difficult. I can't imagine either."

Yesterday, we learned of 6 more soldiers killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. Media and spin bureaucrats talk of the attack as a terrorist attack rather than war related. What does that mean? Terrorism is war. And unfortunately, terrorism knows no geographic boundaries. How does one try to explain this to a child?