𝗠𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝘂 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗿 𝗲𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗶 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲

This morning while having my coffee, I became emotional, I realized that this year's Remembrance Day will have a special meaning, after 34 years of service, this will be my last Remembrance Day parade as an active military member.

My meaning of Remembrance Day, for me it is a moment of reflection, of contemplation on past conflicts, sacrifices, collateral damage, brothers and sisters in arms who are not with us and what does the future hold for us?

Over the years, I have participated in Remembrance Day parades as a Private, Para, Corporal, Master Corporal, Sergeant and Warrant Officer. It was cold, it snowed, it was sunny, it was very windy and sometimes we ended up with cauliflower ears. Also some Petawawa locations, in the training areas of Wainwright, Valcartier, St-Georges de Beauce, even by ZOOM, St-Jean sur Richelieu, Montreal…

My first Remembrance Day parade was marked by mourning. I was doing my infantryman training at the Royal 22e Régiment combat school and the platoon deputy died in a car accident on November 11, 1988. 34 years later, I remember.

It was the only parade that I remained silent despite the weather, the waiting time, the laying of several wreaths, I remained straight at attention. To honor veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. To my friends who left us too soon or who are fighting their demons, I have a thought for you and countless memories that we shared. I'll have a port for your health

But one thing I'm glad I did was get to smell the clam chowder served after the parade at the Mess

𝗝𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘀