Thousands of red, white and blue memorial crosses line the beach in Santa Monica, California, November 2009.
Today in Canada, we honour Remembrance Day. In America, it is Veteran's Day. In France, L'Armistice.
The number of crosses on the beach in the above photograph each represent an American man or woman who has given their life for the cause of freedom. The number of Canadian soldiers is growing also. For me, Remembrance Day used to be a day to honour the dead of long, long ago. Wars that were fought in our history books. Before me on that beautiful sunny beach in California was the stark reminder that war rages on, lives are lost, and families are left grieving and wondering why.
The memorial didn't include crosses for the lost lives in Iraq. If it had, the number of crosses would have filled the entire beach, as it is over one million lives lost to date.
Today, at 11:00 a.m. stop and give two minutes of silence for those who fought and still fight.
xo
So important to honour these brave men and women. Thanks for this timely piece and photo.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | November 10, 2009 at 05:43 PM
I too remember these men and women. Thanks for reminding us.
Posted by: gloria | November 10, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Never forget.
Posted by: Greg | November 10, 2009 at 07:08 PM
A very touching reminder. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Posted by: Marilyn | November 10, 2009 at 08:17 PM
I am planning to observe two minutes at 11:00. How can we not? For those who have given their lives in this war and so many before. Your photo is deeply moving, my friend.
Posted by: Gigi | November 10, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Thanks for remembering. It's so important. We can never forget the committment and sacrifice these fine people have made.
Posted by: Valarie Budayr | November 10, 2009 at 10:42 PM
amazing photo! this is so important.
xo
Posted by: christina | November 10, 2009 at 11:15 PM