Here is one way to catch the torch, thrown to us by dying soldiers through the years, and hold it high.
We can defend the ill, elderly, and disabled in our country.
Currently one simple way of doing this is by signing this petition. Many other opportunities exist and as you read the declaration, you may find something else you can fit into your life.
Will it be uncomfortable to get involved? Undoubtedly.
Will it take time? Certainly.
But then think of those who gave their youth, their health, their lives to uphold life and freedom for us. Read this 100 year old poem, written in the trenches of World War 1.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Isn’t it almost sacrilegious to relate the issue of protecting our ill, elderly, and disabled to Remembrance Day? Many think not. For example, at our local ceremony today, this was read aloud:
The Red Poppy of Flanders
The blood red poppy of Flanders is immortalized as an emblem of sacrifice and remembrance for the honoring of the thousand who laid down their lives for the ideals which we as Canadians cherish. The Poppy challenges us to serve in peace, as in war, to help those who need our help and to protect those who need our protection.
So please, dear fellow Canadian, catch that torch and step up to the fight. At risk are your vulnerable loved ones, your fellow-citizens, and, yes, even yourself as you age.
For those of you living in other countries, there may well be a similar situation you are facing. Face it head on, then, with wisdom and energy.
May God bless us all and give us courage, strength, and wisdom.
Aangrijpend gedicht