It was a cold day as you can see by the sky, however hundreds of people gathered around the City of Regina Cenotaph in Victoria Park. There were children on parents’ shoulders so that they could see. There were babies in strollers. There were elementary and highschool students and young and old adults. When you listen to this short clip of Slt Matt Field playing the trumpet you will notice there aren’t any other sounds.
In my novel Moving On Nick Donnelly is an injured Canadian soldier. He is home recovering from the effects of an IED explosion. This story takes place in the spring, however when November 11th arrives you can be sure that he will put on his uniform with pride and will remember all those who fought before him, and those who fought at his side.
During the message of remembrance we were asked to remember those who were broken along with those who died.
During my research and also through the time leading up to this day, it was often said how the armed forces personnel came home but didn’t speak of their time. How could they? I don’t think those of us who have not experienced the horrors of war could understand. They share with those who know.
I have a son in the Canadian Navy. So very many years ago during a family dinner I asked a question I had been asked in a philosophy class. “Who was I prepared to die for?” My answer was my family. My son’s answer was his country.
Of course we hope that it will never come to this but so many families have experienced the pain of loss.
Anna, in Moving On, lost her fiancé due to injuries he sustained during a fire. He was a firefighter. These front line workers are also to be honored.
Nick and Anna feel an instinctive pull toward each other. They have both known a deep pain of loss. They help each other heal and grow. Join them on their journey.