Fredericton skyline at twilight, November 4, 2008During World War 1, Canada, a country of 8 million people, lost 68,000 soldiers in battle. If one was to project this casualty loss now it is equivalent to losing close to 300,000 soldiers in Afghanistan. Incomprehensible. Incomprehensible.
Today, one Canadian soldier from that "Great" War is alive today, and with him goes the only living thread we have to our human stories of that time in our history. Faces fade along with the multi-sensory acuity of what was a dark and sorrowful time on this planet we call home.
To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of World War 1, a living memorial is being projected in several cities across this country as well as at Canada House , located beside Trafalgar Square in London, England. It began at sunset in London on November 3rd , with the Queen in attendance to mark the sobering reflection. From that moment until sunrise on Remembrance Day, the names of all the soldiers will be projected onto a memorial for all the world to see. The project was created by two visionaries, Canadian actor RH Thompson and lighting expert Martin Conboy.
Light transforms our memories into present day thoughts. Memories are what makes us human. Every single human being who died has a living story. If you are living in or close to one of these cities, which includes Fredericton (at Memorial Hall at UNB), Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary and /or London England, I recommend a detour from your busy day to stop for a few moments.....to connect to our past, to recognize these 68,000 men who were sons, fathers, brothers, uncles, nephews, friends, neighbours......... and if you aren't able to attend it in person, here is a link to the site and another to the government website. The names will be projected slowly and continually until next Tuesday, November 11th.
Lest we forget.
7 comments:
A fitting tribute.None of us should ever forget to honor our war dead.
The photo is wonderful.
thank you Judy. This time of year is such a solemn time in nature and is a fitting time to slow down and honour those who fought for our freedom.
I took a bunch of photos last evening after i dropped my son off at a basketball game and was off to find a cup of tea. It was a stunning sunset and vista. The header photo I took at the same time. Fredericton is a beautiful city. I do love living here.
Thank-you for sharing this important day and the rememberance of these brave and loyal men.
Awareness --- thanks for the post: a beautiful piece.
Both of my grandfathers were lucky enough to come home -- one to England, one to Canada -- although my grandmother's brother didn't.
When I was in Woodstock last year I made a special point of visiting the memorial there to those from Carlton County who were lost.
N.
A stunning photo I agree and an incredible memorial tribute, thank you for the links too.
Beautiful tribute. It saddens me that this year I shall not be able to stand at the side of the Lt Governer of Guernsey as his ambassador, at the rememberance ceremony in Guernsey. I will be there in my heart. x
What a wonderful way to Commemorate this Very Very Important Day and all those who gave their lives or who fought! To think that there is still ONE man alive, who fought in "The Big War". Amazing.
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