Lindsay Gillis

Small, white tombstones,
row upon row;
With nothing but the body of a man.
Their souls live forever in our aching hearts;
As we watch these battlefields, day after day
We pray for them.

These men were young, free and full of life,
ready for an adventure.
Some never got their adventure, or wished
it never was.
They saw what no eyes should see:
cold-hearted death.
Their eyes saw the fires of hell, yet
never saw their own grandchildren’s faces.

As we live our lives as they could have,
we take these three things for granted-
freedom, love, life-
for we never knew these horrors.

If you feel these words penetrating your heart,
Stop at each of these small, white tombstones
row upon row.

Monday, April 9th, 2007       11:03 am
Easter Monday
In Arras

That was the most beautiful thing I have ever taken part in.  The emotions, the power, the freedom-it’s an amazing sensation. We arrived at Vimy Ridge around ten in the morning, and we browsed around the tents.  I got to look at some displays, and furthered my knowledge about this treacherous battle that my Canadian ancestors followed through with.  It was helpful, and we had some fun going to the booths, and getting the nice pamphlets that explained the restoration of the beautiful memorial.

Then, it was time for our pre-show, and we sang some lovely selections: Siyahumba, In Flanders Fields, Un Canadien, and other popular pieces.  It was a huge success, and everyone praised us.  We enjoyed watching the Canadian youth acting very patriotic (yeah right).  We were then shooed off the stage to get ready for the real ceremony.

When the ceremony began, we listened intently.  There were some very special guests, and we learned about their experiences.  We were extremely excited to see the special guests the Prime Minister of Canada, the Prime Minister of France, Duke Charles of Edinburgh, and Her Majesty herself.  I felt honored to represent my country, and that Mr. Fraser, our families at home, the chaperones, and the distinguished and special guests were so proud of us.  When the ministers recited the prayers, I got emotional, and really realized this big thing we’re all a part of.  Maybe we were just singing a song in a ceremony to honor the long dead, and the architects’ effort and great job on restoring the monument, but it seemed that for one of the first times in my life, I understood pain, suffering, and hope; the hope these men and women had for a better world for Canada, and the entire world.  It was also hard for me to hold back my tears thinking about this terrible war, that destroyed all the innocent, the brave, the loved, the lonely, and the parental, as it still is for me now.  The worst thing is, these disasters still happen in our world today, and we’re still trying to stop them, almost 100 years later.  There were many solemn tears, spreading to every eye in the crowd.  I even could see the dignitaries, on national television, crying and praying for those still with us, and those long gone to see the Lord, who saw them through the good, the bad, the beginning, and the end for those who died, at least the end for them on this earth.  I could see my family members’ faces during this ceremony, and it made the song “I’m Dreaming of Home” even more important, because I understood the feeling of the person who wrote the song or sang it before us.  I’m glad I didn’t have to go through what the veterans and soldiers who died had to; being in an epic battle for freedom, redemption, and justice.  We got to listen to many other touching speeches, and I was very intent on what they had to say, especially what some of the Canadian youth had to say.  I felt like I knew these men who died, and who are still with us, and I got to hear different perspectives on this war of the century, or so they thought at the time.

I became nervous and excited when I heard the introduction for our song, waiting for the beginning note oh so patiently.  Then suddenly, like a clear bell ringing in the middle of a cathedral, the first note came strong and powerful from the bagpipes, and was followed by the rest of the accompaniment part from the bagpipes.  Then, the military band struck up with the first verse accapella, then we repeated the first verse with the band playing.  The first note from each mouth was “so clear and so loud,” that I could not help smiling.  I watched every face, and no eye on the stage, or in the crowd, was dry.  Our special guest who came to sing with us accompanied us quite well, and I was so pleased at the amount of applause that broke out in the audience.  The ceremony was ended by a moment of silence to respect those we represented today, and the procession of the dignitaries and military members.

The ceremony was just so amazing for me!  I felt extremely special that I took a part in such a beautiful thing, and helped those who knew about it and didn’t know about it feel the meaning of the words we read on that page at practice for so long.  Other feelings were brought up: the pain I felt for those from my country who died, fighting for me and everyone I love; those who lost a loved one while they were fighting around the world; those who were wounded in the war, which led to complications in their future.  All I can do now is teach the legacy to everyone I know, and try to remember myself.  I still can’t believe how much this loss has impacted our world, even today.  I also feel so cowardly, for I would never have the nerve or the courage to do what they did, and what others are still doing today.  I have the feeling of hope and safety, that I will wake up each morning, free and without war or fear of being killed or injured.  I’m just so lucky, yet I have taken so much for granted: my freedom, my family, my friends, my education, my home, and the little everyday things I need.  That battle field was once so desolate, so noisy with the firing guns, so deadly-now filled with pride, silence, love, and life.  I hope that in the years to come, these memorials and the people who fought and died on them will be respected, loved, beautiful, and remembered. I have decided to write this haiku about my feelings, and I hope you enjoy it:

You were so very young, yet
made the greatest sacrifice
We remember you.