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peace

Remembrance Day in Canada ~ Lest We Forget

November 11, 2016 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

~ Always remember ~

WE OWE SO MUCH TO SO MANY. TODAY IS REMEMBRANCE DAY IN CANADA.

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I have posted this page in years past on this date. Since there are many new followers of my website, I wanted to share it again for those who haven’t seen it. For others, I hope you don’t mind the repetition. I feel these stories can never be shared too often.

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 had perished.

They are buried in a small Allied cemetery in the middle of farmland rather than in 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 they 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.

France-PSandsPhotos

France-PSandsPhotos

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.

When we went on our mission to ‘find Uncle Harry’, we also spent a few days in Normandy and did the tours of the WW2 landing beaches, something I recommend to everyone who has the opportunity. It’s an emotional experience as the history of the war becomes vividly presented by guides who must take courses in this information and pass exams before receiving a license to guide. The French take the preservation of this history very seriously and are to be commended for doing so.

As we toured the museums and memorial centres, it struck me that in so many of the photographs of men and women in service for their country, pride was stirringly evident in their expressions. It seems to go with the wearing of the uniform and the understanding of what that represents.

Thank you to every one of the members of our armed services – past and present – for putting yourself in danger for your country and taking on that onerous task with such pride. We are proud of you in return and most grateful.

Thank you, Uncle Harry.

France-PSandsPhotos

France-PSandsPhotos

Wear your poppy proudly. Please make certain to preserve and keep alive the stories of the members of your families who have served in the armed forces. Always remember. After reading one of the comments below, I wanted to look up the number of these overseas graves and discovered this excellent video. It only pertains to the American cemeteries but could be talking about all of the Allied burial grounds.

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Filed Under: Blog, France, News, Social issues, Uncategorized Tagged With: armed forces, Canada, Flanders Field, peace, poppy, Remembrance Day, war, WW2

Heartbreak in Nice

July 15, 2016 by Patricia Sands 13 Comments

Our thoughts, prayers, hopes are here ??? ‪#‎heartbroken‬ ‪#‎sorrow‬ ‪#‎nice‬ ‪#‎niceislove‬ ‪#‎love_france‬ ‪#‎ohcotedazur‬ ‪#‎ohprovence‬ ‪#‎jadorenice‬ ‪#‎france‬ ‪#‎staystrong‬
Our thoughts, prayers, hopes are here ??? ‪

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Filed Under: Blog, France, News Tagged With: France, heartbreak, hope, love, Nice, peace, Promenade des Anglais, sorrow

Happy New Year ~ 2016

January 1, 2016 by Patricia Sands 16 Comments

Here we go again, my friends!

Each New Year brings with it fresh hope and gives us renewed confidence and courage for a fresh start. 2016 has arrived  filled with opportunities and promise.

Keep the good memories of years past, learn from loss and mistakes, and move forward, always hoping people everywhere may live with the peace and respect we all deserve. 

Here is my wish for each of us:

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This Irish blessing says it all:

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!  

Happy New Year!

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Social issues, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2016, Happy New Year, hope, Irish blessing, laughter, New Year, peace, possibilitarian, promise

A merry, merry, happy, happy, ho, ho, ho, to you!

December 24, 2015 by Patricia Sands 19 Comments

My warmest wishes for this holiday season to everyone who happens to stop by. Take a minute to watch this heartwarming video below and I will see you back here on the blog in 2016!

Thank you so very much to all who generously supported our Books that Celebrate Paris fundraiser. After this week, I’ll be sending a cheque off to the French Red Cross that is made possible by each of you. Our hope for world peace never dims.

As we know, there are people who are alone at this time of year and in need in many different ways. Let’s help wherever possible. There are families, such as our own, who have lost someone whose absence is keenly felt every single day. The spirit of that loved one will be with us always. I found these words by an unknown author helpful. I hope you do as well.

“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near ~ still loved, still missed and very dear.”

Whether you are alone or celebrating with family and friends, I trust the spirit of this special time of year brings you peace and joy, in moments or in great abundance.  May  the New Year bring the best of health and happiness to you and yours. Onward!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qehqv13PJwI

 

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Filed Under: Blog, France, Social issues, Uncategorized Tagged With: 2016, Books that Celebrate Paris, French Red Cross, friendship, happiness, love, Merry Christmas, New Year, peace

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