This week being the run up to the Charlottetown Support our troops Rally and Remembrance day a few days after. I wish to share with you a brief story of a WW2 Veteran Charley Fox who was instrumental in strafing Rommel the Desert Fox. Wounding him so severly he could not get back into line duty. Thankyou Charley Fox may you rest in peace.
A memorial service was held Sunday in Ottawa for a Canadian Spitfire pilot who injured German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel during the Second World War.
Charley Fox, who twice won the Distinguished Flying Cross, died in a car crash Oct. 18 near Tillsonburg, Ont., shortly after attending a Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association meeting.
The 88-year-old fighter pilot was best remembered for strafing Rommel's vehicle, seriously injuring the military leader and affecting his ability to return to active duty at a critical time during the invasion of Normandy.
Charley with our Governor General at a Squadron memorial service in 2006
A welcome home and Thankyou to our veterans from the Western Battle group. They returned to a grand welcome and show of support in Calgary. Our future veterans of the Canadian Military.
Hundreds of people cheered and waved flags in downtown Calgary on Saturday as they paid tribute to 250 reservists who are back home after serving in Afghanistan.
Members of Canada's military parade through downtown Calgary as a welcome home to reserve soldiers from 41 Canadian Brigade, returning from Afghanistan. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)
More than 150 soldiers from 41 Canadian Brigade marched during the ceremony to honour all of their comrades, especially those who have fought overseas.
When a soldier comes home from overseas, it's always good to know they've been missed, said Calgary Highlanders Warrant Officer Paul Holland, who recently returned from Afghanistan.
During a ceremony at city hall, Cpl. Mark Fuchko, who lost both legs at the shins in a roadside bombing, was awarded the General Campaign Star.
Master Cpl. Jim Pattison was recognized with the same honour.
Col. Art Wriedt, commander of the brigade, said he's proud of his men and women for the job they're doing in Afghanistan.
With remembrance services only a few days away I submit this definition of a Veteran, which I received from 4 different veterans.
Definition of a Veteran
When a good Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already retired, wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. 1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. 2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet. 3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is. These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty. So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known. NOW! Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends Comparisons CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week. VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met. --------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry. VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you. --------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours. VETERAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back. -------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you. VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you. --------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing. VETERAN FRIENDS: Will kick the crowd's ass that left you behind. --------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while. VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life. ---------------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences... VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences no citizen could ever dream of... --------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough. VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!' Then carry you home safely and put you to bed... ---------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you. VETERAN FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out OF THEM...for using your name in vain. --------------------------------------------------- CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this. VETERAN FRIENDS: Will forward this. ---------------------------------------------------- A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The Canadian Military' for an amount of 'up to and including my life'. . . and military wives are as much veterans as their spouses. From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your Company! Thank you Veterans.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
