Veterans Day is always a time to reflect and remember. That is why it is called Remembrance Day in Canada. So maybe this is a way to get us to reflect on the real message of the day and that is about the veterans. It got me to thinking if there were any vets who played in the NHL. This was a fun read….a veterans speech in 2005 that took place in Canada. Here is just a small excerpt:
The connection between hockey and Canada’s Veterans began when Memorial Cup was dedicated to First World War Veterans in 1919. By the Second World War, the Canadian government insisted that all hockey leagues in Canada continue as a morale booster for the troops abroad and a message to everyone at home that life and hockey could survive the challenges ahead. Foster Hewitt brought home and hockey to troops overseas through his legendary radio broadcasts. Many legends of hockey were also war Veterans. Conn Smythe, Syl Apps, and Turk Broda all suited up for Canada and served overseas in one of the two wars. In fact 80 NHL players enlisted on Canada’s team during the Second World War. They all joined as equal parts and all spent time on the front line.
They went over the icy waters of the Atlantic to face off against the enemies of freedom. They crossed opposing lines, took aim at an ambitious goal and netted an era of peace. For nearly six years, life changed on the fly. Sudden death was a possibility every day. But our Veterans fought with their heads up, winning battles in just about every corner of Europe. And on May 8th, the final buzzer sounded and victory was assured. Just a week ago, the fans of our Canadian Veterans welcomed them back to Holland. No Stanley Cup parade could match the enthusiasm of hundreds of thousands of people waving Canadian flags as the boys of 1945 returned to Apeldoorn, and the many other towns that still remember the maple leaf as a symbol of freedom. The Memorial Cup should remind Canadians that we have the freedom to play because Veterans had the will to fight. And everyone in the stands this weekend will remember those who took a stand for Canada sixty years ago.
Thanks to the VA in Canada and also Joe Pelletier for as always bringing perspective to a day I appreciate very much. Now of course let us not forget all the wars that our soldiers sacrificed their lives for so that we would indeed have the freedom we still enjoy today. It is something that no one should ever take for granted.
So if you know a vet or see something that you know is a vet…thank them today and everyday. Today is a day of reflection but really we must remember everyday to these men and women as a sign of respect and our undying gratitude. Maybe it does take a few hockey forums to go down for a little while to get our perspective back a bit perhaps…I don’t know.
One thing is for sure. There are a host of war movies on today…why not sit back and watch a few of them. You may learn a few new things like I did this morning but before I go….a old Flags Of Our Fathers trailer.
Again…thank you so much to all our vets!!!
Also….do not forget all the government contract employees who drive the supplies from place to place and the people who work on various bases, installations, and offices. Their work often goes unnoticed on a day like today but without their service…the soldier never gets to perform his service. Keep that in mind and thank all the non-military and military personnel who help in any way preserve our basic right of freedom throughout the world. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Chris Wassel
Director Of The Program
