Remember the Fallen, Despise the Wars

November 17, 2010

Comments and Photos by K.C. Foore

Editor's Note: On November 11 each year, Canadians observe Remembrance Day and pay tribute to the soldiers (fallen or surviving) and others who make huge sacrifices in times of war. Wishes for perpetual peace and loathing for armed conflict don't interfere with widespread respect for those who perform the most risky national service. Photo-journalist K.C. Foore attended Remembrance Day activities in one of Canada's leading cities. No issues hold greater global importance than those of war and peace.

CALGARY, Canada – I thought you might be interested in some images from Remembrance Day 2010 here in Calgary.

Although the images are local to Calgary, the story and theme are international. My daughter found that out first hand when visiting France earlier this year and spending much of her time in Canadian (and German) military cemeteries and at Juno Beach.

Back here in Calgary, Remembrance Day services at the Military Museum were well attended. I'm glad to say the event attracts more people each year. This time, nice weather co-operated perfectly.

Also I was pleased to notice that the organizers had upgraded the ceremony with a bandstand (courtesy of the Calgary Stampede Board) and a big-screen television so that everyone in the crowd could see the proceedings, which otherwise would have been almost impossible.

At first, I felt annoyed to see so many children climbing all over the displays (despite signs asking them to desist). Then I thought, “How lucky for these Canadian youngsters that they can regard tanks as more like playground gear than as objects to fear?”

Isn't that consistent with what Remembrance Day is all about?


A CF5 jet's nose points toward the sky.



In Calgary, Remembrance Day
services draw a substantial crowd.




A military museum makes a suitable
setting to remember those who died.




Lucky Canadian children can climb onto
military equipment, treating it more like
playground gear than objects to fear.



ARCHIVES

pic 3
Crosses on a hill display the names
of people remembered for
making the 'ultimate' sacrifices.



Three veterans (two humans, one machine)
share moments of quiet contemplation.



A retired military vehicle looks better
with rust than with guns blazing.



Details on a military tank: an
artistic take on a deadly device.

 

 

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