I read with great interest the posts concerning rememberance day and I was surprised to see that Ireland does not appear to observe this day. Now, lving in Canada, whilst it is not considered a national holiday (although all government offices are closed) most communities hold special services at the cenotaphs and churches.

This day is set aside to remember all of our deceased loved ones, soldiers and servicemen and women, who lost their lives in all conflicts. I was of the opinion that there is a worldwide observence on this day. For me personally, it is a very special day as it is my dear (deceased) mother's birthday.

I happened to attend a very moving church service at our local parish church last evening and I have to say that it brought tears to my eyes when I think of all those dedicated men and women, who, without consideration of their own safety, made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. God love and keep them all. The debt we owe these people can NEVER be repaid. I would like to share with you all, a poem which my daughter Rachael composed when she was only 11 years old. She was sitting in her classroom on rememberance day one year and during the 2 minute silence period she heard a number of her fellow students "giggling and whispering". She was so upset that she came home that day and sat down and composed the following:

Entitled: To you: From a Veteran

I am a veteran of war and I am here.
I have feelings one of them fear.
I had to fight a war and won.
Did I, or has the fight just begun?
What happens when all the veterans have passed away?
Will there still be a rememberance day?

I risked my life for you.
You say you know what I went through.
Oh no, it was not you who saw your friends shot.
Then have to march on with no time to give them a thought.
I and many others are decorated with medals.
Each a different shape and size.
But these mean nothing to all those who lost their lives.
The youth today do not understand.
What kept the freedom in this beautiful land.
Do they know that with lives their freedom was bought?
Do they really know why we fought?

We fought for the freedom, we know was right.
Believe me when I say I did not want to fight.
We had to leave our parents, children and our wives.
Wondering when or if we would come back,
We feared for our lives.
Remember us, the veterans, when you read this today.
Do you remember the meaning of Rememberance Day?

Respectfully submitted.

Bernard Halligan