From Where I Sit

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July 26, 2010

by: Jenn Rock

Behind the Scenes.

151...as I write this that is what our death toll as Canadians stands for military personnel in Afghanistan.

On a Monday that is the last thing you most likely want to hear heading into the week before another summer long weekend full of frivolity and fun - bet hence it is the truth.

I often wonder if we have become immune to the entire Afghan mission as we hear of insurgent attacks, IED deaths, yet another fallen soldier, an arrival of their body at CFB Trenton, the heartbreaking procession along the highway of heros.

But what happens when 151 become just that - a number.

For those who are not familiar - we are on a peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan - we are to make peace and we emblazen our beautiful soldiers with the blue and white symbol of the united nations on their gear - their supplies-  so that the world may know we are not the enemy - we are there in trust.

I have trained with the canadian military - in an infantry division - and for what its worth it is not easy to say the least.

We are trained to follow orders, have a keen eye and a sharp shoot, love our country and those who call it home deeply and never, never look back, only forward.

Look forward to what is to come in strength, peace and honour.

And it is with the 151st fallen soldier - who by the way was from our doorstep just outside of Barrie - that I send this wish to all of us who have lost a loved one or have a loved one who is proud to wear our flag on their uniform as they keep peace in a foreign country.

Look forward to seeing them again whether it be in this lifetime or the next.

Look forward to the day when they will no longer be far from you and look forward to the day when those that think the Canadian military is simply a sham and makes no difference to not only our peace but the peace of the world can be - once and for all - proven incorrect.

So the next time you hear a newscaster tell you a number - that we have lost another - that yet another of our fallen is returning home to a shattered family - think of looking forward....and never, never look back.

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