Next Wednesday, November 18, 2009, will be the sixty-fifth anniversary since my Grandfather, Lance Corporal Graham H. Dixon lost his life. His name, is but one on a very long list of men and women who forfeited their lives so that we who remain, can enjoy the types of freedoms that we do every day. As a soldier, he was considerably older than most of those with whom he served. A family man, he left behind a wife and three daughters in order to perform his patriotic duty. This was at a time, I am pretty sure, when times were desperate for many people of that era. Personally, I know very little of the man other than the few minor stories told to me by my mother. My Grandmother, stoic as ever, refused to talk about his tragic loss. She, like many women of the day, just quietly accepted it and move on.
On Nov. 9, 1944, the 2nd Canadian Corps occupied the Nijmegen salient bridgehead in Holland and turned it into a winter base. Nine days later my Grandfather was killed and is now buried at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in Holland. The picture you see here of him, is the only picture that I have and that I am aware of. It is usually framed and sits beside another framed photo. That of my Grandmother. For whatever reason, I have always felt that my Grandfather has been like a Guardian Angel to me. I can't explain it. It is just a feeling that I get every once in awhile. I often wonder what difference his presence in my mothers life would have made for her. Not just her I suppose, but their whole family. As it is, we will never know.
Today, we here in Canada and other Commonwealth countries as well as the United States, will take a brief moment of our lives, to remember the many lives touched by the tragedy's of war. I will be remembering my Grandfather, Lance Corporal Graham H. Dixon. Every single day that I have lived beyond my 39th birthday has been a blessing. Whether good or bad, those days are precious to me because they are days that my Grandfather would never know. So please, take the time today to remember the loved ones in your lives who too, have paid the ultimate sacrifice. A sacrifice which we should never, ever take for granted.
Today, we here in Canada and other Commonwealth countries as well as the United States, will take a brief moment of our lives, to remember the many lives touched by the tragedy's of war. I will be remembering my Grandfather, Lance Corporal Graham H. Dixon. Every single day that I have lived beyond my 39th birthday has been a blessing. Whether good or bad, those days are precious to me because they are days that my Grandfather would never know. So please, take the time today to remember the loved ones in your lives who too, have paid the ultimate sacrifice. A sacrifice which we should never, ever take for granted.
9 comments:
How beautiful, what a lovely tribute to your grandfather (we share the same name)I am Graham too.
I'll do what you asked and spend some time remembering tomorrow. Veterans Day is important for everyone.
thank you for sharing Bogey.
Fantastic tribute Bogey. War is horrible and leaves a gap in generations that should not exist.
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them...
Excellent post, as I open up to read blogs on this Veteran's Day. Yours is the first I've read, and I am pleased that it was - what a great tribute to yet another hero for the free world in which we live today. Thanks, Bogey. EFH
Bogey, this is a very lovely tribute to your grandfather and to all of the men and women who sacrificed for us.
I've made a point of reading Canadian bloggers first today. I'm glad that I did. Thank you for this fine post.
May we never forget.
What a beautiful tribute to your grandfather and all those that have served. I do remember too. I am grateful for the freedoms we have that has come with a price. Great post Bogey! XXOO Lori
What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather (we share the same surname - Dixon).
My father enlisted during WWII and was to be shipped out with the Canadian Armoured Corps but developed a severe lung illness and never went over. My Uncle John was in England, training with the RAF.
I'm certain your grandfather watches over you as I'm also convinced that the fallen are now guardian angels for the troop serving now.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
That is a wonderful tribute Bogey. I think your grandfather truely was part of North America's greatest generation.
Thanks for keeping memories like this alive. I had a grandfather who fought in WWI in France. My mom still has his stuff that we look at from time to time.
Stephen Tremp
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