Lest we forget

[Rebel]

Lest we forget. Every Nov. 11, we remember the men and women who have fought in wars and sacrificed their lives for freedom. Tomorrow is Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the U.S. On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, a moment of silence is traditionally observed. Those of you who would like to join other Canadians across the country to pay silent tribute to these men and women are encouraged to do so. Flags will fly at half-mast at each Air Canada base across Canada

[BirdDog]

Here's a link to a great video from a fellow East Coaster, Terry Kelly. I posted this an another forum thought it appropriate for this thread.

We can not say thank you enough, far too many take what we have for granted. Lest We Forget.

http://www.army.gc.ca/chief_land_staff/ ... /video.asp

[monkeyspankmasterflex]

Really good guy, pretty sad that this situation even exists. GG spends 20 million on a northern artisans tour and the real Kings of our country have to rely on a food bank.

Thank a Vet today.

Oilman funds 85 war vets for life
Millionaire's donation keeps food on tables

Sarah Chapman
Calgary Herald


Friday, November 11, 2005



CREDIT: Lorraine Hjalte, Calgary Herald
Alfred Balm, right, gives envelopes with $100 in each to veteran Floyd Rourke.


CREDIT: Lorraine Hjalte, Calgary Herald
Candy Bonhomme, left, and George Bittman, along with Bernd Trommeshauser in the truck, unload 1,089 kilograms of food for the Veteran Food Bank in Calgary Thursday.

As a boy, Alfred Balm watched as Canadian soldiers -- led by the Calgary Highlanders -- liberated his home in the Netherlands from Nazi tyranny 60 years ago.

On Thursday, the millionaire got his chance to pay back dozens of Canadian veterans.

The local financier, known for making millions in the oilpatch, has decided to ensure as many as 85 local veterans receive food and money each month, a token of his gratitude for their valour on the battlefields of Europe years ago.

Balm had 85 envelopes, each believed to contain a $100 bill, delivered to the Calgary Poppy Fund on Thursday.

The money will be distributed to veterans, Balm's response after the fund's food bank came up short on donations.

"In the world today, there's no reason they should even be going to the food bank," he said in an interview.

"We're filling up the veteran food bank. Every veteran (using the food bank) gets an envelope with money to take care of him for the rest of his life."

The motive, he explained, was simple.

Canadian soldiers freed the Netherlands in 1944 and 1945, driving the German army out of the country after fierce fighting.

Balm recalled sitting on his roof of his home in the community of Amersfoort, about 40 kilometres from Amsterdam, in the spring of 1945, watching as the Calgary Highlanders marched through the streets.

"It was a wonderful feeling," he said. "They came just in time. That is the reason I'm sitting here now."

Last May, Prime Minister Paul Martin laid a wreath at the Amersfoort General Cemetery to remember Canadian veterans who died there.

Balm wouldn't say how much would be given to the fund, but it will cost thousands of dollars each month, depending on how many veterans need assistance.

Last year, the local Poppy Fund spent $125,000 providing food hampers, while each recipient was given an extra $75 to buy perishables.

Now, cash will be given to the fund monthly to cover the cost of the food hampers and $100 in extra cash for perishable food.

If more money is needed, it will be provided, Balm promised. However, he still wants to encourage Calgarians to continue to support the local Poppy Fund.

"Whenever they're short, they can call us and it will be given to them," he said.

Balm met with Floyd Rourke, a veteran who served in the war as a corporal with Calgary Highlanders, to offer the donation.

"It's a very sincere, deep, meaningful appreciation," Rourke said. "It's beyond words, almost."

As the cost of living rises, many Canadian veterans are having a tough time keeping up and they appreciate any help they get, Rourke said.

He wasn't surprised by the gift, however, given the Dutch gratitude for Canada's liberation of their country in 1945. Even today, the Dutch know all the details of Canada's role in freeing their country after four years of German occupation.

"The Dutch set an example. They don't forget," Rourke said.

The news was welcomed at the Poppy Fund, as support streamed in all day from Calgarians. Chairman George Bittman said food, donations, and words of support were overwhelming.

For example, Canadian Forces Base Suffield donated about five tonnes of food on Thursday.

"I'm astounded," said Bittman. "The response from the public is great. I can't describe it."

[w squared]

It's obscene that the men who gave so much for us are in a position where they are not provided for by us (in the person of the federal government). It doesn't surprise me, as this country has often shoved returning veterans aside as inconvenient or embarassing.

It's also no surprise to me that the person displaying this level of generosity is a dutch national. From what I've seen, the dutch have always had a far greater appreciation of the sacrifices that were made on their behalf. I'd wager that's because there are still a fair number of dutch alive that remember living in a time when freedom wasn't a given...when it had to be earned. They've seen the price that must be paid in blood, and they have a fundamental, gut level understanding of just what these men sacrificed. Mabye we as Canadians should take a page from their book.

Wearing a poppy is all well and good, as is attending a remembrance day ceremony. But how about really understanding what was given up? Go to a veterans home, and talk to someone that was there. Go to the Legion. Find out what YOU can do to help the people that have given so much. It could be improving the quality of life for a veteran that deserves it by donating your time and/or money. It could be making sure that their memories and experiences stay alive (at least inside you).

We as a nation owe a huge moral debt to these veterans...what does it say about us if they are treated as an inconvenience on remembrance day, and then ignored for the rest of the year?

[Chantal]

Here's a special video

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cf ... 05/yov_psa

Learn more about veterans at war amps