Blog
Notes From Home
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- Category: Blog
- Published: Wednesday, 10 November 2010 17:49
Last night I had the honour of singing our National Anthem before visitors and war veterans at the Royal Canadian Legion in Barrhaven. The event was the last public appearance and signing of "Notes From Home", a 12-inch thick, hand-crafted book containing signature, drawing and photos from civilians and soldiers, as well as messages of hope and thanks to soldiers in Afghanistan.
The idea for the book came from Sergeant Renay Groves. It started with 3,000 signatures from local families and now contains notes from more than 80,000 Canadians (including Prime Minister Harper... twice!)
Sgt. Groves took this book to Afghanistan 3 times (pulling it in a steel briefcase with wheels). Through its journey, it has seen hope, love and tears, it has brought reunions and preserved memories. As of today, the book now lies in the Canadian War Museum.
Nepean-Carleton MP, Pierre Poilievre described the importance of this book as evidence of how we communicated with our troops during a time of war. He said that 200 years from now, someone looking at this book will see the support the troops received and be touched by the stories inside.... Stories like a soldier who was unable to meet his newborn son. Sgt. Groves traced the boy's hand into the book and when she showed it to his father he traced his hand on top. Unfortunately Captain Jeff Francis was killed by an IED in July of 2007, but Poilievre says father and son will be holding hands for eternity.
When the observance of Remembrance Day has passed and we put our Poppies away until next year, don't forget to thank a veteran. I will never understand what they now feel, but I know many of them, having lost so many comrades and friends, carry the guilt of "Why them and not me?"
Last night I had the opportunity to sign "Notes From Home" and say "Thank You" to Sgt. Renay Groves personally.... and I wasn't just thanking her for the book.
Soldiers returning from service surprise family members:
http://www.viddler.com/explore/thechive/videos/167/164.412
