Sunday was a day of fog in this area. By evening the fog was dense, making driving difficult. Visibility was limited. Even though we had some light rain, the highway was wet but not slippery since the temperature was slightly above zero.
Despite driving conditions folks came out to enjoy the delicious turkey supper at Waseca Hall. Waseca supper is one of the last fall suppers, so weather can be a big factor. It was good to see the young people, some very young, helping with all the work that goes into making such an event a success.
This Sunday, Nov. 11, we once again honour those who served in the armed conflicts.
One always reflects on world events on Remembrance Day and I am expressing a few of my thoughts in this column.
It seems we are seeing more conflict in the world than ever. The 1914-18 World War was the war meant to end all wars. Unfortunately, that did not happen.
The war of 1939-45 in Europe was one in which Canadians lost many young men, not to mention those who were maimed for life and the many people who suffered as a result.
My parents came from Holland, a county that suffered greatly during that war. Among the many who were put in concentration camps were members of my father's family. Most of those in these camps were Jewish people whom the Nazis were trying to eradicate. But, if you were attempting to protect them from such a fate, as one of my uncles did, you were forced into a concentration camp. Most of the Nazi occupied countries suffered for lack of everything, including food. Some family members were among those who died of malnutrition.
My husband and brother were among the Canadians who had some part in bringing freedom to Holland, a country whose appreciation to Canadians can be felt to this day.
Many Canadian soldiers lost their lives there. During the years following that Great War, in the 1980s mainly, my husband and I toured some of the many, many Canadian cemeteries in Holland. They were beautifully kept. Even so, it is with mixed feelings that one walks between the rows of headstones that mark the graves of young men who gave up the opportunity to lead a full life. Sadness for them is evoked, but also a feeling of pride that they gave up their lives to free their fellow man.
Many wars have followed the Second World War. Thousands and thousands of lives have been lost or shattered. Are we any closer to a world of peace?
