Remembering sacrifice and unsung heroes

By Vonda Denboer, Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

We have just recognized Remembrance Day, a day set aside to help us remember the sacrifices of those who served their country. I have relatives serving in the military in both Canada and the USA. My grandfather served in World War I. Although I did not know him, I have heard his testimony many times: “I gave my leg for my country and give my life to my God.” So it is important to me that we truly give honour to those who serve.

A Community of Christ member, Liz Clark, a teacher at a school in southern Ontario, shared her experience: “In my 20 years of teaching, I think today was the most memorable Remembrance Day at school I’ve experienced. Our entire school from JK to Grade 8 walked down the main street following bagpipers, veterans, and other people of service. A few students were chosen to lay a wreath for our school at the Cenotaph, and all students had the opportunity to lay their poppies after, if they wanted to. Every student stood and listened quietly to the service and showed respect. It truly made us proud of our school community.”

Thinking of the worth of all persons, my mind turns to the unsung heroes who served but were seldom recognized. During COVID, local film director Aaron Huggett wrote, directed, and shot “The Ace and the Scout.” We have all heard about the ace, Billy Bishop, but who has heard of the Scout? Francis “Peggy” Pegahmagabow was an Anishinaabe sniper who received no accolades for his role in a vital battle in 1918. There are always heroes and unsung heroes. Some fight the battles, others mend the wounded and pray final prayers, and yet we all mourn. Blood flows alike, whether from the enemy or the friend. Mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters mourn on both sides of any battle.

As I ponder the many scriptures calling us to be a people of peace, to challenge forces that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purpose of God, I wonder: Do we truly honour those who strive for peace? Are there unsung heroes of peace initiatives in my community who need my encouragement or support? How am I faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable kin-dom of God on earth? Remembering yesterday and those who served, I must also look forward to Christ’s vision and consider those who need encouragement to step into the chasm between conflict and resolution and build that peaceable kin-dom.