I received an e mail ten minutes ago from a fellow vet in NB. Ed Oursien. I would like to share this clip he attached with everone that I can. You may have to cut and paste BUT it is well worth viewing.
The Sign - Thanks
What a great idea This is pretty neat.....(30 second video)... Have you ever seen one of our military walking past you and wanted to convey to them your thanks, but weren't sure how, or it felt awkward? Recently, a gentleman from Seattle created a gesture which could be used to express your thanks and has started a movement to get the word out.. Please everybody take just a moment to watch..... The Gratitude Campaign ...and then forward it to your friends! THEN START USING THE SIGN.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfFYxSdKdo
Also from Ed these thoughts of a soldier poet.
THOUGHTS FROM THE BUNKER NOTEBOOK ETC.
By Billy Willbond
Yes I have marched on Roman Roads in several foreign lands.
I have driven on red dirt soil tracks out oer the African sands.
Into ancient cities and through historical old temples Ive tred.
In hovel-like hostel flea bag hotels, Ive oft laid my weary head.
I stand in our bunkers defensive sand bagged front slit trench.
Then with notebook I sit and rest on an ammunition box bench.
I picture the Crusade Knights jousting to St Hilarions Castle front.
In my minds ear I seem to hear lances on shields as they crunch.
Napoleon retreated from Moscow leaving his sleigh up at Soest.
I have seen that and of course, places he stole from the most.
Statues from Baalbeck are stored now in the Paris s Museums.
Along with the treasures of Egypt , got by pillage, so it seems?
In the Army soldiers travel, oer the whole world wide.
Our Troops march with their buddies showing Regimental Pride.
We represent our Country Canada, for its humanitaruan human rights.
That is what we train for and if need be, why we fight.
I remember when I started, in far off lands to roam.
I missed my dear old Mother and my cosy Ottawa home.
Of course I was a teenager, first time away from Mom.
Serving there with NATO, we all were afraid of the Atomic Bomb.
Ive seen rows and rows of crosses all across Europe s green.
WW1 and WW2, Dead Canadian Soldiers now fill that scene.
And now our troops oer in Afghanistan are fighting once again.
Again we suffer casualties amongst our women and men.
The notebook notes from the bunker and thoughts of history.
Have put the muse back to work with some current poetry.
I woke up again this morning with these thoughts in my head.
And I said a silent prayer for our wounded and our dead.
2011 cant come too soon! William Willbond
http://iwvpa.net/willbondwh a Canadian Soldier Poet
Saanichton BC 1334 hrs August 1st, 2009
With thoughts of our latest casualties and of the men and women still in theatre, I send a prayer for them and for their well being. Please show your Support and Gratitude wear Red this Friday.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
