Mindful of the One and the Many | Remembrance Day
As a Canadian military family, Remembrance Day holds a lot of significance. Seeing my own soldier stand amongst his brothers in arms on November 11th year after year, marching in honour and remembrance of the fallen ones is sobering.
Attending banquets where there is a place set in remembrance of the ones who died in line of duty . . . it’s real.
The one.
And the many.
I look at photos with fields of poppies and I think of the one I wear over my heart this time of year. Because while the fields represent the many, the one represents that one man or woman. The fathers, the mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews . . . the friends. The loved ones. Each life mattered. Each life matters. The one and the many.
I’m thankful for the brave ones who stand in front of us. The ones who are prepared for war even in times of peace. The ones who have counted the cost and are willing to put their lives on the line for their country, for their loved ones and for those they have never met.
No one has greater love than this—that one lays down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 NET
While I remember the one and the many who have served today, I also want to take a moment to thank those serving today, tomorrow, and every day after that.
Thank you.
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:
In Flanders Fields
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.
John McCrae
One Comment
Lilly Hubert
Amy, this Remembrance Day I’m moved by this and so thankful as I read this today! The thought of the one and the many strikes this home as a reality in real life! You’ve expressed it very clear as you’ve seen and experienced it up close. It is about real soldiers and their families and the sacrifices made for love of home and country! Paying the price for someone you’ve never met, that’s quite a thought. I loved the scripture you shared as it speaks of the love of Jesus as He laid down His life for us. A soldier models that love in a very real way! Flanders Field is such a sobering reminder that me must not forget!
Your thankful post touched my heart again!
Love Mom