So this is coming out a little later than I hoped, but I guess better late than never!
This it the time of the year that we remember the ultimate sacrifices of the men and women who defend our country's freedom of the past and the present. Even though I do not believe that war or armed-conflict can solve problems, I understand that it may be a necessity to bring the peace that I take for granted to other areas of the world. My problems are trivial compared to the struggles of those in war-torn countries. I am very thankful that I am living at this time and in this place.
I always thought that it was strange that I have been interested in war stories, but upon reflection, it is not the war itself that fascinated me, but the stories of courage and perseverance of the people affected by the war. I can't even imagine what I would do if I was in such a situation, but I would hope that I would be able to survive. I think it is very important to remember that war affects people, it is not just a news story.
Although I do not know any fallen soldiers, I do know someone that was killed in the line of duty. I went to high school with Chris Worden, the RCMP officer who was killed in Hay River, NWT on Oct 6, 2007. Last week, Chris' killer was found guilty of first degree murder. Although the conviction will not bring Chris back to his family and friends, it is nice to know that the justice system works. It is hard to believe that Chris is not around anymore. Although we weren't as close after high school, I don't think that I can forget his smile. He had a great smile that could light up a room. He is the one that I remembered this past Remembrance Day.
I was watching the movie Star Trek: First Contact (yes, I admit that I enjoy Star Trek TNG) the night before Remembrance Day and there was a scene that made me stop and think. Dr. Crusher was describing the future (her present), where money didn't matter anymore and Earth had a completely different goal. I wonder how long it will take us to achieve that fantasy? Where war is history because there is something that unites us all. I think that it would be nice to live in a world without war, hopefully I will be able to live in this world, and if not me then hopefully this will be a reality for Connor and Wyatt.
