The Act of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Remembrance Day, for me, is both a somber day and a day of thanks… We stop to take but just a few minutes of our time to think of those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may have the right to live and enjoy the many freedoms by which we live today. These great Canadians always remind me that Freedom is never Free.

However, just as important we must take the time to think of those families who have also paid the ultimate sacrifice by the loss of their most precious loved ones. They live with the scares in their hearts but hold on to the memories forever. Since 2009 I hold a special prayer in my heart on each Remembrance Day for my friend Darren ‘Daz’ Chant (former Sergeant Major Grenadier Guards (UK) who was killed in action in Afghanistan on November 3rd, 2009.  I think of his wife Sheenie, who he had just married in August of 2009, and I think of their son George who never got the chance to meet his father. It is important that we Remember both, those who gave their lives and their families, it is what we should all hold close in our hearts on Remembrance Day.

Warrant Officer Class 1 (RSM) Darren Chant

Nad e-Ali district of Helmand province Afghanistan on Tuesday 3 November 2009.

Remembrance Day is also a day of thanks as we thank those who are continuing to serve today. Our service men and women continue to make us proud each and every day as Canada continues to send our troops to various hotspots around the world. Service before self is what we should be grateful for on Remembrance Day.

Lieutenant-Colonel Joe R. Nuñez, MMM, CD, AdeC

Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding