Memorial Day Reflections

It’s funny how your mind plays tricks on you. When I look in the mirror and see the gray-haired guy, I find myself wondering how I got to this point. My brain certainly doesn’t think I’m 55, but my driver’s license says so, so we’ll go with it. As every year passes, more memories return, and this time of year, as we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, I’m reminded of the impact the military has had on my life and the lives of those around me.

From my brother's service in the Canadian Armed Forces to my grandfather's heroism in World War II, stories of courage and sacrifice fill my mind.

My Brother's Service

My brother served in Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), a regiment with a unique history. (Canada’s military units often have “unusual” names.) Founded in 1914, it was the last privately raised (funded) regiment in the British Empire and the first Canadian infantry unit to enter WWI. While my brother didn't see combat, many of his friends served in peacekeeping missions in Croatia and the war in Afghanistan. I'm incredibly proud of his service and grateful for his contributions.

A Stark Memory

In 1994, I visited my ex-wife's great-grandmother in a nursing home. She was 94 years old and had come to Canada from England in 1913. During our conversation, she shared a heartbreaking story about her brother, Frank, who died at 20 while serving his country in France in 1917. She had received a letter from a captain that said, “a giant bullet fell out of the sky and killed the lot of them.” It was a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the sacrifices made by so many.

My Grandfather's Heroism

My grandfather, Alastair Aeneas Lawrence, came to Canada from England in the 1920s. He and his brothers served in the Canadian military during World War II. My grandfather was a Royal Canadian Engineer, who cleared mines and booby traps in Italy, Holland and Germany. He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery and leadership.

My grandfather never spoke of his time in the war, but we found some clippings in his belongings after he passed away. One included the following excerpts:

“Each day from 18 to 26 November 1944, Corporal Lawrence led his section out in the early morning to clear mines. While the sappers were busy, the enemy suddenly fired on them with small arms and mortars. They flattened themselves on the road, not daring to move to the verges because of the Schumines, waiting for the initial firing to cease, then crawled without cover until obscured from the point of fire. By his cool leadership, Corporal Lawrence heartened his men to perform this duty, morning after morning, encouraging them by example, with the one object in view, of getting the armoured vehicles forward.

The success of the operation, clearing the enemy out of all the pockets south of the Uniti, was made possible by the work of this Non-Commissioned Officer and his men. Corporal Lawrence continued yeoman work during the operations in Italy and during the period this unit was engaged in Holland. Danger does not deter from his sense of duty and all times he has shown leadership and ability.”

I only knew my grandfather as a kind and gentle man. He was hard of hearing from his military service. He played golf and enjoyed another “teatime” at around 3 p.m. every afternoon, with literally a pot of tea and cookies on a plate. He was a great cook and was always warm and welcoming when we visited.

Reflections on Military Service

Memorial Day reminds us of the importance of the military and the incredible sacrifices made by those who serve. Since moving from Canada to the United States, I have enjoyed living in a place where there's a strong sense of pride and support for the military. (In Canada, people are more reserved about expressing their support.) I’m grateful to live in a country where so many want to share gratitude for those who have served.

A Call to Action

To all who have served in the military, including our employees, producers and partners, thank you for your service. To those who have friends and family who have served, please take a moment to thank them. And while we celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, let’s make sure to think of those who lost their lives in service of their country, providing us the freedom we enjoy today.