Honoring. Celebrating. Thanking.
Today in Canada, we observe Remembrance Day, in the US, Veteran’s Day. Different names, but the point is the same. It’s a day to remember, honor and thank all who serve our countries in the name of freedom and human rights.
Today we’d like to share the story of a young man who died on July 18, 2008. Cpl. James Hayward Arnal was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan when he died from a bomb blast.
His mom called him her ambassador for life because he was so eager to share his energy, teach, learn and be part of everything he could take in. Connecting with kids in Canada was one way he shared while serving.
Teachers across Canada encourage their students to write to soldiers. James answered every single letter that arrived to his squadron while he was there. In a letter to Madam Sylvie’s grade 5/6 class, James wrote:
“It makes us happy knowing there are great Canadians such as yourselves supporting us in everything we do. It’s because of Canadians like you guys that we, the military, all go to work every day proud to show the world what we as Canadians can do.”
He goes on to share details of life in Afghanistan and how it has changed since his first tour of duty. He talked about life for children there, the weather, the time difference and even some Afghani words for them to try out. His letter finishes:
“Well guys, I have to cut it short here. They need me to work the front gate of our F.O.B. (Forward Operations Base). I want to thank you guys again for everything you’ve done for us. You guys are the best.”
One of the letters James responded to asked him what he wanted for his upcoming birthday (April 9). He asked for a moment of silence for all the fallen heroes. While he didn’t get his wish on his birthday, he is the only Canadian soldier to have been interred on Remembrance Day in Canada.
Today, we’d like to join hands with you, Canadian, American, Afghani, Iranian – all races, cultures, religions – in memory of all who serve in the name of freedom.
More importantly, we want to thank all who leave the comfort of their homes, their families, their country to protect people they’ll never meet.
Thank you James – for giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Do you have family serving overseas? Leave their names below so we can thank them together.
My Dad,Gerald Hubert LeBoy, was honored to serve the United States during World War 2. He talked to my brother and I often about it and, even though he was not stationed in the line of fire as so many were, he was still inordinately proud of his service to his country.
He died of cancer 4 years ago in August and, to this day, whenever Veterans Day rolls around, I think of him and the stories he told us of his days in the service.
I honor all those who served anywhere in the world for the service they gave or are currently giving to support the freedoms I enjoy at this moment.
Thank you Leslie for telling us about your Dad, Gerald. He sounds like a very special man and we are all thankful for what he sacrificed in the name of freedom.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by JuliaRosien: @tkpleslie Please leave your Dad’s name here so we can all thank him for his service:
My father, Bob Opperman, served in Navy during Korean War. He is currently in VA Home serving out his last days with alzheimers. He used to tell me that the Navy saved his life and was proud to serve on board his ship. Thank you, dad, for keeping the USA safe during your service. And keeping me safe, especially, while at
home.
Diane, what a beautiful tribute to your father, Bob. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about him and how he shaped your life. We are thankful for all he did as well!
Julia, Thank you for sharing Cpl. James Hayward Arna’s story. I read his mother’s post yesterday, and it has deeply touched me. My heart & prayers go to out to Cpl. Arna’s family.
Leslie &a Diane, Thank you for sharing your fathers’ stories. As Julia has written, both of your comments are beautiful tributes to men who gave selflessly so that we (and many other nations) can enjoy the freedoms & liberties that we do.
Today I honor and appreciate the service all veterans, and active duty military including:
My grandfathers, father, cousins and brother-in-laws who have served in the military.
My friends’ children and spouses who are currently serving in Iraq & Afghanistan.
My husband Steven who was activated by the Army from 2003-2006 for Operation Iraqi Freedom and continues to serve our country as an US Army reservist.
Carmen, I am giving a speech at Natura to honor our service men and women and when I read your comments I know there are no truer words than ones spoken from the heart. I am printing off yours, Leslie’s and Diane’s to share with all of Natura because what you’ve all written here is enough. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with me. Know that we all stand together thanking each one of them for our freedom.
Today, I can’t help but think of my father. He was 5 when WWII started, and remembers ration cards, bomb shelters and collecting scrap metal with his neighborhood pals for the war effort.
When he was in college, there was a draft and he went off to Korea – the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Like many mothers, his didn’t want her boy to go fight, but my dad said she hadn’t raised him to run away.
To this day, I know my dad doesn’t regret his decision. I am grateful for the pride and reverence he has instilled in me for my country and all men and women who proudly serve. Mostly I am proud of him for choosing to lead by example, especially when it would have been easy to walk away.
Thank you, Sarah. Your father is a shining example of why we honor our veterans and serving soldiers today. They make the choices we all wish no one ever has to make – but we’re thankful for those that do. At 11 am, we thank your Dad for making the choice to serve and protect.
Sarah, your words brought tears to my eyes. My father fought in Viet Nam, and was exposed to radiation and ended up with Cancer as a result in the late 70’s. Through the grace of God, strength and will he was able to live through it for another 2 decades before the cancer came back again. I was proud of him for not giving up, and he was diligent and humble with his respect for all those who suffered at the hands of war. Thank you for sharing your story, the words of these brave men will live on forever!
Keely, your father’s story is one that’s all too-often lost. So many soldiers come home hurt and yet find the will to go on and live vibrant lives. I want to thank your Dad for all he gave during the war and for the example he set to keep going. It’s been an emotional day here at Natura and we’re so honored to be sharing such incredible stories with our online community.