I looked at the man and said, "Excuse me sir, did you serve in World War II?" He looked me in the eye and said, "Yes, I did". I then responded by extending my hand to him. We shook hands and I said, "I just want to say thank you for risking your life for the rest of us." Taken by surprise, he held my hand and replied while shaking his head, "there were times I didn't think I would make it out alive." I thanked him again and paid him my money. He sat down on a little fold-out chair, took out a handkerchief, dabbed his eyes, gave me a big smile and waved goodbye.
I can only assume how that brief conversation impacted that gentleman. I hope he felt my sincere gratitude and that somehow my words let him know his suffering wasn't done in vain; that somebody noticed his sacrifice of a 'normal' life.
Since that encounter Remembrance Day has taken on a new meaning for me. It is an annual renewal of my vow to do what I can to create a more peaceful world. I believe every veteran carries the desire for peace deep within their hearts and as a beneficiary to their sacrifice, the least I can do is to let my actions and way of Being suggest that I am eternally grateful and I am honouring them more than once a year.
To all veterans, young and old:
May I carry the torch lit by the desire of your hearts.
I will not rest until this work is done.
On your behalf, I call upon the younger generations
to move forward and make changes that last.
Let's turn this ship around and get it right.
Love. Peace. Unity.
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