The Last Post – November 5, 2021

Reflections of Remembrance Day from when I was a child is so different from now as an adult. When I was little, I thought it was a day where we think about those who lost their lives due to war but not much more was absorbed by my juvenile brain.

The understanding of what this important day represents now, is of humble, respectfulness, and honourable emotions. What our fellow men and women went through to keep our country safe so that our lives can be free to live in without control; is a gift. A gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted or forgotten. Of course, there is the sadness, that war still takes place in our world, but the reality is that when a few people feel empowerment and control over another then there can be conflict. There is such a fine line to sit upon when our rulers of our most powerful and impoverished countries think that it is their right to suppress those under them, that is what is causing the damage to humanity. If we can only look at each other as equals, life could be so much sweeter and beautiful.

It is and will always be my duty to be reflective and care more deeply about those who have passed and to care for their resting place and gravestones so that we may give them eternal honour and respect for what they gave up for us.

This year we had 12 people, a family event that included parents, children and grandchildren, come out to clean the graves of our veterans at Woodland Cemetery’s, “The Last Post”*. This is one of our youth’s own reflections, on how he felt.

The Last post was my first volunteer project. And it was a great experience it was really fun especially because I was able to do it with my very close friends. It felt amazing to do such a good deed for the veterans who risked their lives for us and died impoverished. By the time all (about) 150 graves were cleaned, they looked awesome. I would definitely recommend doing it next year if you can! 👍 Written by: Bennett Cole With thanks and gratitude to those who were out cleaning and for those whom we hold the greatest honour and respect, our Veterans! May you, “Rest in peace.”

Saint Louise de Marilac Youth Conference, London

*The Last Post Fund is a Canadian non-profit organization and registered charity which was founded in 1909. The Last Post Fund’s mission is to ensure that "no Veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial, as well as a military gravestone, due to insufficient funds at time of death." Its primary mandate is to deliver the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral & Burial Program which provides funeral, burial and grave marking benefits for eligible Canadian and Allied Veterans. The fund also delivers an Unmarked Grave Program which places military-style gravestones for Veterans are buried without commemoration. In addition to delivering these Programs, the Last Post Fund supports other initiatives designed to honour the memory of Canadian and Allied Veterans.