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Patricia Sands

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Canada

Remembrance Day 2014

November 10, 2014 by Patricia Sands 11 Comments

~ Always remember ~

 NOVEMBER 11TH IS REMEMBRANCE DAY IN CANADA.

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In 2010, my husband and I went on a journey to locate the grave of my Uncle Harry whose Lancaster bomber had been shot down on June 13, 1944, near Cambrai, France. All six crew members perished.

They are buried in a small Allied cemetery in the middle of farmland rather than  one of the major cemeteries in France. It was quite an experience just finding it, but that’s a story for another day. When I enquired as to why the graves were in that location, the Office of Military Affairs explained that they had been buried there by the nearby villagers at the time and so would remain close to where they had died. It was immaculately tended … and watched over by curious cows.

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As a child, I had always been intrigued by stories about my Uncle Harry, the youngest of 5 boys, and only 20 years old when he died. There were framed photos of him in his uniform with a dazzling smile in my parents’ and grandparents’ homes. You could feel his pride … and their pride …

To read more, just click here …

In Canada, our Remembrance Day tradition is to wear a poppycanstockphoto12463869 like this one. Most Canadians begin wearing them many days before. This year, two members of our Armed Forces were senselessly killed in Canada in one week in October. Poppies appeared immediately as everyone sought to honour their memory. Their loss has brought a renewed commitment to respect and pay homage to men and women who serve their countries and put their lives at risk every day.

The recent tributes have been unique, and often personal, and this morning I was touched to read about this one.

On the day Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot at our National War Memorial, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ NHL team was in a hotel directly across the street. They were to play a game with the Ottawa Senators that night. Since there was no way of knowing what sort of attack was taking place on our Parliament, everything in the area went into lockdown. The game was cancelled and the players watched out the windows of the hotel as the situation unfolded.

Yesterday evening the game was rescheduled in Ottawa. Instead of their standard morning skate, both teams went to lay wreaths at the Memorial. There was no publicity. They took along one photographer and a videographer. No fans. They were able to honour our fallen soldiers in their own private way. Well done.

Tomorrow at the 11th hour of the 11th day in this the 11th month, our country will pause for two minutes’ silence to remember those  heroes who have given their lives and in respect of all who offer their service … in every country.

Thank you.

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Filed Under: Blog, France, News, Social issues Tagged With: armed forces, Cambrai, Canada, National War Memorial, Ottawa Senators, Remembrance Day, Toronto Maple Leafs

O Canada

October 24, 2014 by Patricia Sands 19 Comments

Along with all Canadians, my sympathies go out Unknown-1to the families of  Cpl. Nathan Frank Cirillo and  Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, both tragically killed in the chilling events of this past week. 

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Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues, Uncategorized Tagged With: Canada, news, tragedy

Canadians Give Thanks

October 11, 2014 by Patricia Sands 24 Comments

WARM WISHES TO ALL CANADIANS CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING!

The unique beauty of autumn adds to the magic of this special holiday.

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We are celebrating my favourite holiday in Canada this weekend – Thanksgiving. No shopping for anything but Thanksgiving dinner ingredients. No lists of gifts. Bags of food being filled for the Food Banks. Volunteers serving turkey dinners at homeless shelters. Quality time spent as families and friends gather to share memories, love and laughter. An attitude of gratitude prevails. I am so thankful for the life I have. I hope you feel the same about yours.

As we consider our individual blessings, let’s remember those who struggle with hunger, illness, poverty, war and a multitude of other challenges around the globe. Let’s try to make the sentiments of Thanksgiving a part of every single day.

What a good feeling to see the food donation bins overflowing today. If you can’t get out to help, here’s a way you can play a part without leaving home! Click right here.

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I’ve written about these sites before, but they are always worth mentioning from time to time.  All you have to do is go to TheHungerSite.com  once a day and click on the button — sponsors give free food. You are not put on any list or bombarded with spam. There are other links to click where sponsors donate for appropriate benefits: Breast Cancer ~ remember it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Child Health; Literacy; Rainforest; Animal Rescue and a few others. All of this has been verified as legit by Snopes years ago. I pop in every day. Why not?

While we are at it, have you ever played FREERICE.COM? ~ A great way to increase your vocabulary and donate rice. Play it with your children as there are 60 levels. It’s a great place to learn new words for Words With Friends … ahem, my addiction!

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Filed Under: Blog, General Travel, Photo blogs, Writing Tagged With: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Canada, Daily Food Bank, FreeRice.com, Greater Good, Thanksgiving, The Hunger Site

Oct. 11 – International Day of The Girl

October 8, 2012 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

Last December, the United Nations’ General Assembly officially designated October 11 as the International Day of The Girl. This Thursday, Canada and nations around the world will focus on raising awareness of the particular challenges that girls face and implement plans to take action.

Girls will be recognized as powerful agents of change and as leaders of today and tomorrow, and girl-specific issues will be highlighted.

The Canadian government led the resolution at the UN and over 100 member nations have already pledged their support. Individually we can all show our support in many ways and most easily by spreading the word and getting involved. Let’s face it, we women know how to communicate!

Every girl is someone’s daughter. Let’s make all daughters proud by honouring them and working toward gender equality and girls’ rights everywhere on this planet.

Here are some excellent links for more details on the subject. Please pass the information on and see how you can get involved with whatever your community plans for this landmark occasion.

Status of Women Canada

Plan International

Because I Am A Girl – Fabulous site! Join them on Twitter and Facebook right here!

Day of the Girl.org

I’m proud to be a member of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. I urge you to consider becoming involved in one of their innovative programs.

As a women’s foundation, we specialize in helping women and girls move out of violence, out of poverty, and into confidence.

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We invest in the power of women and the dreams of girls. The Canadian Women’s Foundation raises money to research, fund and share the best approaches to ending violence against women, moving low-income women out of poverty and building strong, resilient girls.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, what better time to be reminded of our own good fortune and the struggles of others, near and far. We are in this life together so let’s pay it forward in whatever ways possible.

Here’s the challenge dear readers – UNLEASH THE POWER!

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Filed Under: Blog, Social issues Tagged With: Because I Am A Girl, Canada, Canadian Women's Foundation, girls' rights, human rights, International Day of The Girl, United Nations, Women

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