I was a soldier once. For a short time. I was a reservist. I almost feel embarrassed to say that. I feel that way because I feel like I'm one of a very few who ever did that. But I shouldn't feel that way. Sure, I was "only" a reservist but I volunteered as any soldier volunteers. I knew that Canada could call on me to fight, to kill, and to die at any time while I was a member of The Regiment. It's strange because there are a lot of people like me who don't talk much about their time in the service, many because we served during the "decade(s) of darkness", other because after serving for 20 years they had nothing to show for it beyond a pension. The government of Canada has always been very stingy recognizing the service, volunteer service, of the men and women in the military.
I am now part of the Regimental Association, a group of ex-soldiers who work together to support and remember the service and sacrifice of the members of our regiment. Because of that I became aware of the veteran's plates available to BC residents who meet the requirements set by veterans groups in consultation with the government of British Columbia. I felt undeserving having served only two years but it was explained to me that these things are as much to remind other Canadians of the sacrifices soldiers make on their behalf as it is to recognize one individual's contribution. So I applied and received veteran's plates and I display them proudly.
I received an email the other day about another form of recognition. There is a movement to request the creation of the Governor General's Volunteer Service Medal. It is meant to recognize and reward service of one year or more in the Canadian Forces after 1947. It is a simple thing, just a small medal that will distinguish veterans from the mass of citizenry at Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Yes, I would receive this medal, though I don't feel I particularly deserve it. I support the creation of this medal mostly for the thousands of ex-service men and women who put in years of their life and left with no recognition whatsoever. It is important to recognize this service and encourage these people to remember and display that service to the rest of Canadians. In only a few short years the veterans of the second war will be gone and our Remembrance Days will be diminished. We need to encourage the other veterans to come out, to give them some token of esteem to distinguish them so they can march with some small pride as we remember others who's sacrifice was so much greater.
I hope we can convince the government of Canada to look at this proposal seriously. If you would like to help please sign the petition at:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/volunteer-service-medal-for-our-veterans.html
