11 Days of Remembrance: Did You Remember Them?

I attended the Remembrance Day service today at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. As always, it was beautiful, and was a spectacle all in itself. I was also fortunate enough to run into some of my former cadets, and I had the pleasure of enjoying the company of both a friend and former officer (all the same person) throughout the service.

The hangar was filled to the gills with nary a chair to spare. The Master of Ceremonies was well spoken. He was serious, of course, but he also knew when to lighten the mood. Normally, during a Rememberance Day service, you wouldn't expect to hear the MC say, "and now for the fun part." Some people could have taken such a statement in offense, however, such was not the case. Like every year, there was a guest speaker, and this year, he was a former WWII Mosquito pilot who also happened to be very good friends with the Master of Ceremonies. That's why he said the next part of the service would be fun.

The Lancaster bomber also did a fly-by during the service. The timing was amazing. There is an observation deck in the back of the hangar, with big windows surrounding it. When the Lanc came in for its fly-by, all that you could see through those windows were wings. At the same time, all of Warplane Heritage shook. I could feel the tremors start in my feet, and work their way up my body. It was incredible.

I managed to (somehow) keep myself composed throughout this year's service. I don't know how I was able to keep myself from breaking down, especially when the guest speaker, started to sing, "The White Cliffs of Dover," and the older people in attendance started to sing as well:

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover,
Tomorrow, just you wait and see.

I'll never forget the people I met
braving those angry sky's
I remember well as the shadows fell
the light of hope in thier eyes
and though I'm far away I still can hear them say
thumbs up
for when the dawn comes up

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover,
Tomorrow, just you wait and see.
There'll be love and laughter
And peace ever after.
Tomorrow, when the world is free

The shepherd will tend his sheep.
The valley will bloom again.
And Jimmy will go to sleep
In his own little room again.

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover,
Tomorrow, just you wait and see.
...................
There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover,
Tomorrow, just you wait and see. 

Written by Walter Kent and Nat Burton, 1941, made famous by Vera Lynn, 1942

Wreaths were laid, two minutes of silence was had, and hymns were sung. A couple thousand people in attendance in the hanger, along with thousands at home, all joining in to remember those who fought for our freedoms, the ones who died, and the ones who survived. Countless souls joined together in thanks.

A reception followed at the 447 Wing, though it's at a new location now. The old wing was actually in use during the Second World War. It was torn down within the last couple of years, and the 447 had to relocate. But, despite the change of venue, the feelings were all the same. Civillians, veterans, cadets, and everyone in between, all under one roof, sharing memories, food, and drink.

Thank you to all who have served, are serving, and to the Forces of our future. We will always remember you.