We are very fortunate today to have a young man with us who has recently served in Afghanistan, Steven Andrews. I think it is important for us to remember today not only those who have fought for the freedom of this country, and other nations as well, but to pray for those who are presently dedicating their lives so our world will be more peaceful. Thousands of people sacrificed their lives in war for our country, and for the peace in the world. So far, 71 Canadians have died in Afghanistan.
I went on the internet and found these two accounts by men who served in Afghanistan. They wrote these last year:
Brian Hynes
I have served on 2 operational tours in Afghanistan, and a number else where. On this day, we remember them all, the faces, the smiles, and their families.
The faces are still there, whether they be Canadian, American, British, or Afghan - in times of combat we are all one. In times of loss, we are all one. Together as a Nation we become one on days like today.
Yes, war is difficult and ideally something that should never happen, but it does. We always have to be ready and more importantly, we must always remember, for when we forget we do it all over again.
The smile of a child that knows you are a friend, someone that will help, someone that is there for you and someone that will keep you safe makes the difficult times worth while.
In the end, we just need as a Nation to understand that operations such as Afghanistan are aimed at giving that child the choice and opportunity to be free. To all that are now gone, we will never forget.
Posted November 11, 2006
Cpl Hawkins
I have served in Afghanistan twice now. The first time was in Kabul and the second in Kandahar.
When I was there the second time I rest assure you that there was a tremendous change taking place from the first time I was there. Everyone from the very young to the old are glad and thankful that we are providing peace and support to their country. Everywhere you go they are smiling and waving, thanking us for being there.
Back here in Canada we do not fully see the results of our efforts abroad, but I assure you when you see the smiling faces of children when they first walk into their new school for the first time in years with new books and crayons, it is well worth the effort to all us soldiers.
Remembrance Day for me is to remind me to carry the torch high and not break faith with the past but, to carry on their traditions with everything we do today.
Posted November 11, 2006
In order to help these people, these men and thousands of other people, have had to generously give of their lives. Our government has spent an enormous amount of money in the international effort to bring stability, growth, and peace to Afghanistan. Hopefully this country will soon be able to manage on its own, and our brave men and women will be able to return to Canada.
The Bible has many references to peace, and I have given each one of you a passage to read out loud. If you prefer, you could have a person next to you read your quote.
"if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink..." -- Romans 12:20
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. -- Isaiah 2:4
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all" -- Luke 2:14
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. -- Romans 14:17
Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. -- Romans 14:19
There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. -- Proverbs 12:20
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -- John 14:27
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. -- Colossians 3:15
Mend your ways, heed my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. -- 2 Corinthians 13:11.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O God, make me lie down in safety. -- Psalm 4:8
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" -- Matthew 5:9
"I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. -- Ephesians 4:1-3
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. -- Psalm 34:14
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. -- Galatians 5:22
Love and fidelity have come together; justice and peace join hands. -- Psalm 85:10
In the tender of compassion of our God, the dawn from heaven will break upon us, to shine on those who live in darkness, under the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. -- Luke 1:78-79
For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. -- Isaiah 55:12
"...be at peace with one another." -- Mark 9:49
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -- Romans 15:13
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 4:3
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits... -- James 3:17
God shall judge between the nations; and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. -- Isaiah 2:4
What does God require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? -- Micah 6:8
May God give strength to God's people and bless them with peace! -- Psalm 29:11
Let me hear what God will speak, for God will speak peace to God's people, to the faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts. -- Psalm 85:8
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, ...Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. -- Proverbs 3:13, 17
The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. -- Isaiah 32:17
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." -- Isaiah 52:7
These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath. -- Zecharaiah 8:16
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. -- 1 Corinthians 13:11
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. -- 2 Thessalonians 3:16
May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. -- Jude 2
Today we remember and thank those who have lived and died for peace.
May the peace of God be with you all, and may the world be at peace.
