The Ultimate Sacrifice

It is that time of the year when we remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us and so we could live free. Two summers ago I watched the funeral procession for the Edmonton cop who was killed in line of duty. It passed on our street so we went down to watch it and it was sad and you can ladies in tears. Police from all over North America were there.

Early last year on January 25, I saw on the news channel from the Philippines about the massacre of an elite commando unit in the south of the country. It all had to do with Muslims and the problem the country had with them and this has been going on for decades. I remember when we were still in the Philippines and my mother was offered promotion but we had to move to the south. We were scared and I believe we told her we will not be moving as we were scared of the Muslims.

So today I would like to remember the members of this elite group now better known as SAF 44 or Fallen 44. They were members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces. When I was reading the news, I realized that these commandos were just the same ages as my two sons.

I offer my sympathy to their families as they left wives, children, parents, brothers and sisters and a few future children. There were wives who were pregnant at that time.

I saw two tributes for them and I am attaching it to this post. One had pictures of them and you will notice how old these guys were. For some reason I can;t attach the tribute with pictures of the oung commandos. They range in age from 26 to 38, most of them were under 30 years old.

This is a video of the return of the commandos. a day of mourning in the Philippines. The bodies were flown back to Manila in 3 C 130 planes.

A Time to Remember

Today is a special day to remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we could live freely and enjoy the safe life. These are men, women, fathers, mothers and children. 

I have nephews who served in Canadian and US military. I am embarrassed that I have just taken for granted what sacrifice they gave so we can be free. The one time I was involved was when one nephew who was a medic in the U.S. Navy was missing in Iraq. We had to pray so he will be found safely. Fortunately for him he was found safe and is now retired. Krishna, I salute and admire your courage to serve.

A friend of mine in my building was engaged to be married to a guy who served in the Canadian Army. I even saw him when he left for his mission. One day I was reading a magazine article about guys who did not make it back. Only when they mentioned the name of the fiancee did I realize he did not make it back.

Today, there is a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant serving in Afghanistan who I know. I have always told him how much I admire his service. I'm happy to hear he would be returning back home before Christmas and he will retire after. So to Staff Sergeant Frank....we thank you and pray you will be safely home soon.

To all who gave the ultimate sacrifice, I thank and admire all of you.