What a moving series of events for me this past Remembrance Day. I've long held the theme of remembrance tightly to my heart. I'm the granddaughter of a WW1 veteran (who returned) and the novellist of a WW1 soldier (who didn't).
On November 11th, I was given the high honour of delivering a keynote speech at a Remembrance Day banquet at a local Royal Canadian Legion branch in Ontario. I was offered this oportunity because of my novel, "Rooted and Remembered," which focuses on acts of remembrance and what it means to pay tribute to the past and those who sacrificed for us.
I am still in awe of the RCL's devotion to its members and the armed forces. The most touching for me was the set table at the back of the room. A small table with a crisp white table cloth holding a red flower tied with a red ribbon, a lemon slice, lighted candle, pinch of salt, and overturned glass. These symbols all represent those who were no longer with us and our emotions about those who tragically did not return.
The past is vital to remember, lest we repeat those mistakes. #lestweforget
PS: I'm including a photo of a RCL fallen soldier table from a different branch. I did not have the opportunity to snap a photo of the one at the Legion where I spoke.
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