The Maple Leaf Forever

On February 21st, we’ll see a return of some of our favourite blue and white Leafs players come out of retirement and take to the streets with members of red Maple Leafs of the Canadian Forces who serve us so very well around the world. For me, I’m not going to pick sides when I watch the game. I know that with both teams, that we, as proud Canadians and Torontonians, are winners no matter which team wins!

There has been a lot said about the Canadian Forces over the past few years. Do we continue to fight in Afghanistan? Should we have gone to Iraq? On a personal note, I cross the 401 every day on my way to and home from work and I have seen the flags drapped over the overpass and the convoys of our fallen soldiers return home one last time from their completed mission along the Highway of Heroes. I choose not to get involved in the politics of it all, I just choose to support the Canadians who volunteer to put themselves in harm’s way because they are doing what they think is the right to do. I grieve with their families when they return home along the Highway of Heroes and I rejoice when they return to their families and friends to what could only be described as joyfully open arms awaiting them at the doorstep.

A few short months ago, I got to say “see you later” to a DDP member. It was in a Royal Canadian Legion hall while he was surrounded by family and friends before he reported to the base to await the order to ship out to Afghanistan. What surprised me most about it was that it is a celebration of his life and willingness to serve, not filled with sadness at his departure. He knows no more than I do whether we shall meet once again at a pub, or on my way home at an overpass along the Highway of Heroes. That is why he, along with all those who play in Saturday’s ball hockey game are HEROES.

Canadian Forces Day is not a day for politics. It is a day to remember why we are Canadian. What separates us from all others is that we are prepared to stand between opposing forces in the cause of PEACE and when called upon, like generations of us Canucks before them, our troops prepared to answer the call. That is why you should wear a yellow ribbon today and always. That is why you should add your signature to the hundreds of others that will be added today to DDP’s Support our Troops banner.

The Maple Leaf Forever!
P.S. Get Well Soon River Rats!!!