Good morning! I hope you are doing well in these interesting times we are in. We are surrounded by changing ideals, shifting political views, and wars and conflicts around the world.
“Well, a top of the mornin’ to you as well, Mr. Cheerful!”
Fair enough. But it’s not all doom and gloom you know – I woke up this morning, and I am enjoying a second cup of coffee while writing this blog. Outside of my study, my kids are making a fort – yes, indeed, I am blessed this morning. But we also have to remain aware of what’s happening in our world at the same time and to be praying and active.
With that said, I had a thoroughly enjoyable day yesterday at my school. With the help of my coworker and some of our students, we created our very first “Wall of Remembrance”. We encouraged the families in our school to send in pictures and information regarding their loved ones who fought in the military or are currently serving.
We received picture after picture – face after face– of veterans, each one having their own unique story. We had the entire school fill out these cut-out maple leaves that said, “I will Remember ______” on the front. Students wrote things like, “My great-great grandpa,” “My uncle,” “My dad,” – and so many other names, and we made a ring of these leaves around the words We Will Remember.
As the first pictures were placed on the wall, I began to feel the deep reverence and awe inside, as the faces stared back at me. As more and more faces were being added to the wall, I couldn’t help but think of my grandfather, Francis (Frank) Marshall, who would visit the schools in Corner Brook for the Remembrance Poppy Drive, encouraging the students and teachers to always hold this time of year with respect and remembrance. I felt like I was back in his shoes, not with any military experience and service mind you, but rather with a heart to honour.
Through this experience, I pray that my students will be encouraged and reminded of all the privileges we have, and how that freedom was quite literally paid for by the blood of thousands of soldiers.
As I finished up for the day, I took one last look at the wall. It was then that I realized something – one of the families in my school, their great-great grandfather served in the same regiment as my grandfather did, the 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery. Immediately I called aside my student and told him of this, and I felt an instant reminder of God’s faithfulness and masterwork – here I am relating to someone over twenty years younger than I, yet both our family members fought together in the same regiment 80 years ago.
As we approach November 11, Remembrance Day in Canada, United Kingdom and the Commonwealths, let us remember those who served and fought for our country and the freedom of other lands. Young men who left their families to protect them, the future generations, and to free others against the tyranny unleashed against them.
We had a soldier from the Canadian Forces visit our school yesterday for Veterans/Remembrance Week, and I was so honoured to have invited him to come. A veteran from Afghanistan, his sacrifice and toil, combined with his continued service in training and leading men and women now, was indeed humbling. As he squatted down to be eye level with a little girl in Grade 1, his big smile on his face as she asked her question, I saw innocence meet battle hardened soldier in a moment, it was beautiful to witness.
His comment to our school said it all, “When I see that wall (referring to the Wall of Remembrance), those are the veterans. Yet I have alot to do, but I’m just doing my job (paraphrased).
Oh, Lord, let us never take for granted the freedom we have. And may we always honour those who gave so much, and those who gave it all.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – Jesus.
Christian
The Eason Clan 