Honoring our Vets

Today we had a parade, flyover, special service and banquet for 4 young men from our community who have served in Afghanistan and come home safely. First there was the parade, then a single B-52 Bomber flew over high above us in an absolutely pristine blue sky. The Bomber was followed a few minutes later by 3 - 172 Cessnas. It actually brought tears to my eyes to think that in other places, far away people would have run for cover. We are so very blessed here in this community and the larger community of our country, for we have never known, nor can we imagine, the incredible fear and trembling, that the sound or the sight of B-52 can instill. After the parade and flyover we made our way to the Legion Hall where many of our Veterans had gathered to celebrate the joyful homecoming. All of them are over 75 and many are in their 80's. Yet they came dressed in their Legion best with medals glinting in the afternoon sun. They braved the 60 -80 km gusts of wind and chilly temperatures, they stood at attention, they saluted, and they bowed their heads in prayer to honor the unknown soldier.

My Dad, who is a Vet purchased the first 3 tickets for this event. Our ticket numbers were 1,2 and 3. Sadly today Dad was not feeling well so was unable to go. I decided not to let the tickets go to waste and took my grandsons, Luke and Piper. Luke had his own camera with him and captured a video of the whole event including the flyover. We took part in the celebration at the Legion hall and the boys couldn't wait to shake the soldier's hands and have their picture taken with them. These young men are with the International Security Armed Forces Patricia Pats Light Infantry Division. We are indeed grateful and thankful for these young men from our community and others around the globe who willing serve, and in some cases pay the ultimate sacrifice, so that we will never know the fear and trembling and to secure the peace and freedom we enjoy so much.