Remembrance Day 2006

On Remembrance Day I pause and reflect...

Thinking of the sacrifices made by so many men and women in war, and of their families and friends left behind, for some sadly forever.

I think of my father, Captain Joe MacLean, as a very young man during WW II, physically wounded twice in Europe and wounded emotionally for so many years thereafter.

I think of my mother, Lieutenant Virginia Doyle, as a very young nursing sister during WWII, first in England and later moving to Europe as the war progressed, caring for the wounded, sick and dying boys and men.

I think of the elderly former Canadian soldier who fought in Burma, and his having given me his "Burmese Star" for safe-keeping and as a reminder to honor his memory and sacrifices made by his fellow soldiers in Burma during WWII.

I think of my uncle who lost both legs while a POW in a Japanese camp during WW II.

I think of the men and women serving in the military right now, some wounded, some dying and... I think of their familiies back at home

I think of my eight now grown children and my grandchildren for the security and freedom they enjoy, all paid for by the sacrifices, blood, agony and privations of those magnificent men and women.

God Bless you all!