Word of the armistice, a temporary cessation of fighting through the mutual consent of the warring parties, had spread and some had begun to celebrate. Two minutes before it went into effect, at 10:58 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, Private George Lawrence Price, was felled by a bullet, gaining the distinction of becoming the final Canadian soldier to be killed in the First World War.
In 1918 news travelled slower. Man had not travelled in space; in fact, satellites had not been launched. Cell phones, smart phones, computers, and television did not exist. Telephones were not common in the overwhelming majority of homes. Although men with the highest authority had agreed to cease fighting those on the front lines may not have known a truce was called.
A significant period of time had passed without war prior to WWI. During this period significant changes occurred technologically resulting in significantly more deaths and injuries. History records the death of 60,000 to 70,000 Canadian soldiers during that time. Many of those who went were young men and boys as young as 16, who believed they could make a difference.
The reasons for going vary; however, efforts both then and now for the majority of soldiers are a belief in duty and loyalty to comrades and country. War may seem far removed from the majority of us both in space and time, yet evidence remains of its influence in our thinking and beliefs, in the news we read and in the games we play. The impact on the families of soldiers remains despite the time that has passed. Many powerful and emotional moments of soldiers being welcomed home are now shared in the news, on television and in blogs providing glimpses into poignant, personal moments as families reunite. Toronto songwriter Bob Reid’s “Soldier, Welcome Home” offers a celebratory tribute to the men and women of the Canadian Forces, and to all who serve their nation with honour.
Distance, time and the fictionalization of war have dulled perceptions of the harshness and reality of the circumstances that soldiers live(d) in and the sacrifices that they made. Today’s veterans range in age from their early 20s to late 90s; all are worthy of honour and respect for their time of service. Government has a responsibility to provide support for these women and men as they return home and adjust to the many changes civilian life outside of a war zone brings. Jack Babcock, Canada’s oldest vet from the First World War, died in 2010 at the age of 109. He had enlisted when he was 15½. “I hope countries think long and hard before engaging in war, as many people get killed.” He once told an interviewer from Veterans Affairs Canada. “What a waste, not to mention the relatives who are left to mourn.”
The cost of wars is more than dollars and cents. It is lives, families and history. Our present builds on our past and from that our future. In taking time to remember, we connect and measure the consciousness of our nation. We may not agree but it is important that the sacrifices that others make both in war and peace-keeping to ensure freedoms so often taken for granted are protected receive respect.
By remembering we honour the sacrifices made by individuals, families and communities. Lest we forget.
“History is not the story of strangers, aliens from another realm; it is the story of us had we been born a little earlier.” Stephen Fry
