Lest We Forget

Poppies behind bars, Toronto (2016)

Poppies are definitely my favourite flower.

This time of year is often very challenging for many veterans, including myself.

Lest We Forget

This phrase is important particularly for those who have never put their lives on the line for their country.

However, for myself the memories are hard to suppress at this time of year - and perhaps that is a good thing. It is important to dust off painful thoughts and feel them, to remind oneself of the sacrifices made and how much further we have come since.

I just wish to take a moment, like I hope you all will, and thank all military members past and present, who have honourably served.

L-R: Monument in memory of those who served in South Africa (Toronto, 2016); poppies; monument in front of the old city hall, Toronto, receiving my commission into the Canadian Navy; taking a moment at El Alamein to give my respects to R. Donnelly (2015); memorial in Calgary, Alberta (2024)