Remembrance Day 2006

Today, Remembrance Day 2006, at 11:00 a.m., my husband and I were in the car on our way to Oakville when we heard on the radio the beginning of the Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Cenotaph at City Hall, Toronto. My wonderful husband pulled his car over to the side of the road where we both sat, silently reflecting upon the great sacrifices made by men and women in the name of freedom. In particular, we were honouring our own family members:

Ljuban's grandfather, Jandre Orescanin, served as a partisan in Yugoslavia during WWII. The partisans were neither loyalists or Communists and fought against Hitler and his allies. During the war, Dedo Orescanin lost an eye to a shrapnel wound.

My mother's father, Diego, served as a very young man for Italy in WWI. I don't know much about Grampa's years in service, but I do know that his army portrait hangs proudly above the piano in my parents' home.

My father's father, Joseph Summers Sr., served the US Army during WWII. Grampa Summers also suffered shrapnel wounds and was awarded the Purple Heart. Unfortunately, all of his medals were stolen and sold. Every once in a while I check to see if they're being offered on Ebay.

I am so very proud of my husband for showing this sign of respect, for those we love and the millions that others have loved and lost during many years of war. Of course, at least 75 cars flew past us while we sat honouring our veterans this Remembrance Day 2006.