Terrible news. What a heartbreaker.

Posted by: Kathy Shaidle at November 2, 2006 09:06 AM

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Ahhhh, this sux.

My deepest condolences, Doc.

Posted by: Rob R at November 2, 2006 09:41 AM

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I am sorry for your loss, Doc.
I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

Posted by: up north at November 3, 2006 09:11 AM

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Best wishes.

Posted by: Yukon Gold at November 3, 2006 11:35 AM

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My prayers are with you, Doc.

Posted by: Brian in Calgary at November 3, 2006 12:38 PM

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A number of people have asked for a copy of the prayer which was offered as the Prayer of
Invocation at the Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day Service, November 11, 2006 in Chatham, Ontario.

I include a poem IN AFGHAN FIELDS? in respectful remembrance of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD.

JLH+


A Remembrance Day Prayer

In the stillness of this day, we remember, O God.

We remember those valiant ones who have answered the call

Answered with their lives and given their all.

In the stillness, we remember the young who did not return,

Those at Vimy and Ortona, Korean Battle 355, in Kandahar,

And on a thousand fields, and on the sea and in the air.

They stood on guard and fell for us and for the freedom of all.

In the stillness, we close our eyes and see the faces of youth,

Now framed in faded photographs in the homes of those they loved.

They are forever young, their courage never perishes and they are in your hands, O God.

In the stillness of our hearts we offer thanks for those who survived the ravages of war;

And we bear witness on this day with them and together remember their fallen comrades

Who did not return with them.

We will remember them.

In the stillness we pray for those who stand on guard this day in Afghanistan

For those who have taken up the torch and hold it high.

We remember those who have kept faith and in so doing keep faith ourselves.

In the stillness we remember, O God, for you walk with them, the unseen Spirit,

Ever one with the Word made flesh, in whose Name we offer this prayer,

The one who unites us in love and remembrance,

Ever one God through the stillness of the ages of ages. AMEN.

In Afghan Fields?

In Afghan Fields the poppies grow,

And mark the place our valiant know.

They go in honour and in hope

That freedom’s flower they may evoke.

For women and for little girls,

A ravaged land, they come to serve;

For faith, for liberty and for love

Rebuilding hope for peace’s dove.

They stand on guard as forbears know

And offer youth’s red flower to sow.

In foreign lands, in hostile climes,

Our sons’ and daughters’ duty shines.

Will we break faith with those who serve;

Return without our mission proved,

While poppies grow

In Afghan Fields?

Padre John L. Hodgins

Chaplain, Royal Canadian Legion

Branch #28, Chatham, Ontario

November, 2006

Posted by: at November 13, 2006 11:31 AM

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