Chaplain’s Corner – Summer 2015
1 June 2015
The Rev. Art Turnbull, Branch 15 Chaplain
The activities of the Legion commemorations, of the Canadian memorials, and of worldwide needs, have been a source of a busy season just past. As we now engage in the life of the Summer months we look for a slowing of pace; yet even now we shall remember.
June has presented us with the 52nd Convention of the BC/Yukon Command, of the Royal Canadian Legion. This is in our own city. The memorial and dedication is on our own Thunderbird Square, our own Cenotaph. This is probably the last time we will be the home hosts of such a gathering. Never again will there be that many Legion veterans and members assembled on our sacred ground. What we need to keep in mind this summer is that we will keep on remembering our own for times yet to come. Even as our numbers grow smaller on each parade, “we will remember them”.
There are still four years of commemorating events of World War One to be acknowledged in Canada. These are fitting tributes to those now all gone, the ones who left a legacy for our nation. We need to keep their history alive, sharing the stories of the past for the protection of the future. As a Branch of the Legion it is our responsibility in Abbotsford to pass the torch to those who follow and those yet to come.
Summer is also a time for reflection, for recollections, and of restorations. The men and women of World War Two are now averaging an age of 92 plus. We take these folks for granted. These are our neighbours. They are also the veterans who live and also die among us. The modern concern for the condition of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) makes headlines as our newest veterans of recent battles combat their demons. We may not recognize that many of our senior veterans have carried the effects of PTSD within their bodies and minds for some seventy years. Many of these old timers did not get the recognition for the toll that war took on them. Yet in their generations a million volunteered to serve Canada in uniform. Sixty-six thousand died. Thousands were wounded. Thousands were prisoners of war. Many more thousands came home in one piece, yet impacted in ways unknown. As Summer comes and goes, do remember them.
As you take some leisure of the summer times, perhaps a trip to who knows where, or a stay at the cottage by the lake, or just sit and watch the weeds grow, take some time also to think about this nation of ours. The values and ideals of Canada are not to be taken for granted. We have a responsibility to serve and to protect. We have a mission to pass on the standards that uphold the democracy we cherish. We have choices to prepare for as the Fall and Winter will come.
The ancient writings in the Book of Ecclesiastes tell us:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…
…a time for war, and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 to 8, selected verses)
Happy summer to you, and God bless, Padre Art Turnbull