Peace is probably the most elusive word that there is. From the beginning of time men have fought each other, shed blood, sacrificed lives in the process of aggression of some and defense of others, to uphold either honor and pride or just simple right to live and freedom. Human civilization has progressed through tumultuous times; every peaceful lull had been broken by more and more severe and crushing wars, unthinkable slaughtering and destructions. Even at our present time when we claim to be the most civilized we are still fighting too many wars at the cost of too many innocent, bright lives who could have otherwise done something wonderful for themselves and others around them.
The ultimate sacrifices made by often unknown soldiers whether belonging to a trained army or just plain ordinary people in a militia – allows the inhabitants of a land to enjoy the freedom, joys of life and the prosperity that often follows. That is why nations around the world are so eager to show unconditional respect and admiration to their soldiers. Canada is no exception. November 11 is our remembrance day. That’s the day when we ceremonially remember our fallen.
So, what are the sacrifices have our soldiers made?
Here is a general picture of the casualties suffered by Canadian military since first world war:
First World War: more than 67,000 dead, more than 250,000 wounded
Second World War: more than 44000 dead, more than 54,000 wounded
Korean war: more than 500 dead
Peacekeeping: 121 dead
Afghanistan: 158 dead
Now, let’s briefly examine to see what our contribution was during world war 1 and 2 when so many of our soldiers had laid their lives.
Canada got drawn into the World War 1 when Britain declared war on Germany. Canada’s legal status at that point was a British dominion leaving its foreign policy decisions in the hands of the British parliament (though Canadian government had the right to determine level of involvement). Canada decided to join in the war with full force, fighting as a distinct unit. Canadian military fought valiantly, particularly mentionable are the battles of Somme, Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Canada had mobilized an expeditionary force of 620,000 people. At the end of the war 67,000 were killed and more than 250,000 wounded. Canada's extreme sacrifice, outstanding bravery during the battles and over all contributions in that war allowed Canada to establish itself as a formidable military power.
German invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 and started the second World War. Though Canada was reluctant to join the war, as the oldest Dominion in the British Commonwealth, it again became active participant and more than 1.1 million Canadians served in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force. More than 44,000 Canadians lost their lives and 54,000 were wounded during world War 2.
One remarkable achievement of Canadian soldiers during World War 2 was to help the Netherlands to get liberated from German occupation Canada lost 7,600 troops in the operations during those battles against Germany, who surrendered to the Canadians on May 5, 1945. To this day, the Dutch have remembered Canadian sacrifices. They parade Canadian veterans through the streets of Wageningen, in central Netherlands, on May 5th every year, treating them as the liberators.
In the recent years Canadian soldiers have played a very important role in Afghanistan assisting the local government to train its soldiers to fight against the Taliban and foreign fighters and also to perform many socially assistive activities to help the local people. In the process more than hundred brave soldiers have sacrificed their lives by becoming victims of roadside bombs and direct armed confrontation.
If we all regularly take the time to remember the ultimate sacrifices made by the brave and dutiful men and women - unknown, faceless people to most of us, who have provided us the opportunity to live our lives the way we do in this great and beautiful country, then perhaps we would take better decisions in our personal lives and collectively help to make our country a better place.