The Journey

Intro: My youngest son joined the Canadian Armed Forces. Shortly after Training and Graduation these young peple were called to perform their duties in a land far across the sea.

The Sun rises high into a hot sumer sky as the day of departure dawns. A young man, no longer a boy, moves forward into this day and says his Goodbyes and then with purpose he turns and walks away. He is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and today is the day he leaves … family … friends … and homeland. Another Soldier joins him and another and another as they take leave of sweetheart, children, father, mother and friends. This is the very first journey to countries far across the sea, to lands of burning sun and sand and dangers as yet not faced and challenges yet to come.

As strangers in a strange land they come … to stand together … alone, in a place that is not their own. They are far away from all they have ever known. Strong of purpose, clear of mind, honorable, young, healthy and proud. Trained and yet untried under fire. May the fire not come. Who is the Enemy and who is Friend in a land where War has no beginning and appears to have no end? God Above … please hold these Soldiers close witin the Protection of your Love … in the Palm of Your Hand … if you must. Give them the opportunity to do what they must, come what may. In God and these young men / women … we place our Love and Trust. (Note) One of my Sons’ Best Friends had come up to me and said … “Don’t Worry … I’ve got his back”. Size doesn’t matter, Heart does. I felt better. He was safer.