Veteran says thank you

This is my first Remembrance Day out of uniform and I do not know how to dress. With over a quarter of a century in uniform, commensurate with an omnipresent task and purpose, there was never a question about where I was going to be, what I was going to do, or how I was going to dress, but today is different. For me, there is a sense of loss that is most difficult to quantify. Remembrance Day is traditionally associated with reflection, forfeiture of freedoms, memories of loved ones, both familial and within the profession of arms, and most notably, a mission. On Nov. 11 that mission is to honour and commemorate the sacrifices of the living and dead; those soldiers, sailors, and aviators who served this great nation.

Since my career came to an abrupt halt early in 2017, I have been consumed by emotions that are all too commonly associated with mourning: anger, sadness, emptiness, and a lack of professional focus. Remembrance Day is set aside so the country can look back and attempt to understand the challenges faced by our nations’ warriors and their families whilst simultaneously respecting the complexity of contemporary service; where my efforts today were misguided. Instead of a holistic view, I took an individualistic approach, which, is counter to all that our military stands for. I was more worried about how to dress than remembering what the day was for.

I want to thank my family members in Port Morien, Glace Bay, and Kinston (Ontario) for supporting me during these changing times. Moreover, I want to thank Canada for allowing me to serve.

Major (ret’d) Darryl Cathcart,

BMASc, pcsc